The Castro Legend Cup, one of the most important MTB events in the South. But this time it's spring. A different context, a different environment... It's a great opportunity to experience this corner of Salento in a different light and with different colors.
Giuseppe Maggiore, patron of the Castro Legend Cup, takes us on this journey which only six months ago appeared completely differentYes, because due to an important change to the national and international calendars, only six months have passed since the previous edition. This is because in 2028 the Castro Legend Cup will award the European Marathon title and the UEC he had asked for some guarantees in this regard.
From yellow to green
But let's get to the heart of the matter. The beauty of the event, the surroundings, cycling in nature. So what changes from autumn to spring? But what's it like to do it in spring?
"What changes? A lot, I'd say," Giuseppe Maggiore explains with his usual passion. "If the route is more or less the same, the colors change. In October, we come from a hot, scorching summer and a coast often plagued by wildfires. So we see more dry stretches, sun-scorched views. The landscape is yellow, now green dominates instead. We are witnessing an explosion of colors, of flowers... Most of the route takes place on large fields, meadows I would say, and these best express the concept of spring, more than a forest».
Maggiore, who is in the sector, talks about particular flowers. Flowers recognized by the Otranto, Leuca Coastal Park and Tricase Forest.
«I think of the alyssum of Leuca, the Aurinia leucadea, the Greek cumin, the Salento clove… These plants are listed on the regional or even national red list, and are therefore protected. They're here now, but in autumn they've finished their life cycle. They're a real eye-catcher and they light up in the sun."
Castro Legend, double meaning
And just think that precisely because with the Castro Legend Cup you go to wilder places, where nature dominates and where not all points are easy to reach, Here the event takes on a double meaning: that of the race itself and that of the service of the Park and nature.And the main reason is precisely the flowers and the Mediterranean scrub. Let's hear why...
"Precisely because certain botanical species are 'under scrutiny'," Maggiore continues, "certain permits for the event were granted after assessing these ecological impact aspects. So much so that it was a very lengthy investigation. When we submit a route, we have to justify certain steps. Well, precisely because to reach certain points we had to clear certain sheep tracks or paths, we were granted special permits. In short, thanks to the Castro Legend Cup, work was done that other organizations would have done in May and June. So, streets cleaned, various cleaning operations, firebreaks... all preparatory interventions for fire prevention."
In short: I'm running the Marathon, but in the end I'm also creating a service for the community. And Maggiore confirms: «The paths of the Park have never been passable as they are in this periodAnd this year in particular. Not only that, but we've also provided a service to hikers and trekkers. The Cammino del Salento passes through here, and from now on it's starting to become very popular. And the same goes for the religious trails that wind through that area.
Super route
Spring, the greenery, the blue sea... the scents of Salento. But there's also the more technical aspect, that of driving. And in this case, how does it differ between tackling the race in October and April?
«Now the path is perfect – says Major – it's very smooth, Driving us is a spectacleIt's pure enjoyment. It's pure fun. This year there was a lot of rainfall, fortunately, because usually we suffer from drought. Instead, we're coming off a rainy winter and the ground is filled with water. But here it dries very quickly, drains well, and the conditions are truly ideal for having fun on a mountain bike. No mud, no dust..."
And a dip in the sea? The Castro Legend takes place at the end of this week, so on Sunday, April 19th. This is a six-month split from the autumn edition, on October 19th. Maggiore says another peculiarity of the moment is the opportunity to swim in the sea.
«A dip in the sea? Definitely better now.Everyone here has been at the beach for two Sundays already! The water's still a little chilly, but it's nice to be out in the sun."
So, everything is ready in beautiful Castro. We're about thirty kilometers southeast of Lecce. There's no shortage of entrants, despite the high fuel prices, which are significantly impacting the average number of events. And there's no shortage of pro teams either. As always, it will be a true spectacle, nestled among all the most beautiful spots of that strip of Salento overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Here the event goes beyond the race; it's a true opportunity to experience and breathe in a region with a strong identity.
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