By Giro D’Italia Like a Pro USA

St. Augustine, FL – [December 9, 2024] – The thrill of Italian cycling is back! The Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro USA returns to St. Augustine on January 18-19, 2025, promising an even bigger and better experience following the success of the inaugural event in 2024. With 350 cyclists participating last year, this year’s event is set to attract even more enthusiasts.

Race Highlights:

• Race Loops: Participants can choose from 33, 60, and 86-mile loops, and there’s a 4-mile kids’ race to ensure young cyclists are included.
• Exciting Prizes: Amazing prizes up for grabs for race winners and participants, including a chance to win a trip to Italy for a tour.
• Italian Festival Atmosphere: Enjoy a weekend filled with Italian flair, fare, and fun, perfect for the entire family.
• Event Features: Live music, prizes, giveaways, and a competitive Gran Fondo race create a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Event Details:

• Dates: January 18-19, 2025
• Location: World Golf Village Renaissance, St. Augustine, FL
• Activities: Besides the competitive races, enjoy a casual fun ride, live music, the Tour of Italy Expo Village, and a gourmet Italian dinner.

Tour of Italy Expo Village: The Expo Village is a pivotal part of the event, offering participants a taste of a major professional event like the Giro d’Italia. It serves as the official packet pick-up location and features leading brands in sports, fitness, health, and Italian-themed vendors. More than 1,000 attendees are expected, providing great exposure for new and upcoming companies in Florida and the Southeast United States.

About Giro D’Italia: Founded in 1909, the Giro d’Italia is the second-largest professional cycle race in the world, owned by La Gazzetta dello Sport. It attracts over 2 million spectators and is televised in 198 countries. Today, Giro D’Italia races are held in six countries around the world.

The Venue – St. Augustine, Florida: St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, boasts a rich culture and several attractions that draw visitors to Florida. The race will be held at the World Golf Village Renaissance, a relaxing haven in a celebrated travel destination.

About the Organizers: LJ Cycling Enterprises, owned by Lars Graff, holds the exclusive license to operate the Giro Ride Like a Pro race in the United States. Partnering with DRC Sports Athletic Event Management, they aim to create a premier event celebrating world-class Italian cycling heritage in a fun, healthy, and clean environment.

Join Us: Spend an exciting winter weekend in Florida and experience the ultimate cycling event with Italian flair. Gear up and get ready for the Giro D’Italia Ride Like a Pro in St. Augustine!

For more information and to register, visit

Website: giroridelikeapro-usa.com

Insta: @GiroRideLikeAProUSA

Facebook: GiroRideLikeAPro-USA

Sign up here for the race: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/GirodItaliaRideLikeaProUSA

Contact Name: Vickie Gunnarsson

Title: Partnership and PR Director

Phone: +1 (305) 299 – 7917

Email: vg@victoryrights.com

The Gourmet Experience: A Journey of Flavor Across Three Floors and Three Days

Step into a world of Italian culinary excellence, where each floor unfolds a new chapter in the journey of taste. From exquisite cocktails to savory bites and indulgent sweets, immerse yourself in the finest Italian Food & Beverage offerings in this gourmet event.

Day 1: December 4th

Ground Floor – Cocktail Area 1
• Strega Mule Cocktail: A refreshing blend of the iconic Strega liqueur, bringing a uniquely Italian twist to a classic favorite. (Shaw Ross)

2nd Floor – Cocktail Area 2
• Sardomagno Truffle – Aged pecorino with delicate truffle flakes, a luxurious bite that encapsulates the essence of Italy’s truffle-rich heritage. (Pansardo)
• Crispy Guttiau bread chips, available in an array of savory flavors for the perfect crunchy snack. (Pansardo)
• Truffle Popcorn & Pesto Genovese Popcorn – A delightful popcorn duo, one infused with truffle and the other with the aromatic flavors of Genoese pesto. (Tartuflanghe)
• Panettone – A traditional Italian treat, beautifully light and fruity, made to perfection. (Eataly)
• Trifulot Chocolate Truffles – Silky smooth chocolate truffles with a luxurious taste. (Tartuflanghe)
• Mastri Birrai Umbri Beer – A refreshing craft beer offering from the heart of Umbria. (Tita distributor)

5th Floor – Cocktail Area 3
• Pass-around Bites: Sambuca Cured Salmon & Blood Orange Marmalade Crostini , Warm Gorgonzola Polenta, Crispy Olives & Chicken Liver Toast, Prosecco Gelee Meatball & San Marzano Tomato, Crispy Zucchini Flowers Filled with Goat Cheese and Arugula

Aquarius Special Edition Extra Dry Prosecco – An exceptional Prosecco from Valdo, perfectly dry and effervescent.

Portofino Gin ‘Il Marinaio’ Cocktail – A refreshing gin cocktail that transports you to the Italian coast. (Gadabout)

Calizzano Mineral Water – Ad Maiora’s mineral water, offering purity and refreshment.

DJ Set by Nuni Love: Immerse yourself in the vintage vibes, setting the perfect mood for this gourmet evening.

Day 2: December 5th

Ground Floor – Cocktail Area 1

• Pass-around Bites: Snapper Milanese Spoon – Arancini Tartufo – Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Aioli – Artichoke Fritto with Pumpkin Aioli – Beef Carpaccio with Celery Root Parmesan Reggiano Rosemary Scallop Skewer with Fig Jam
  • Strega Mule Cocktail – The ever-popular Strega Mule cocktail returns with its signature zing. (Shaw Ross)

2nd Floor – Cocktail Area 2

• Caviar – Indulge in the rich, luxurious taste of premium caviar. (Tita Imports)
• Sardomagno Myrtle – Aged pecorino with fragrant myrtle, adding an aromatic flair to the traditional Italian cheese. (Pansardo)
• Breadchips – A variety of savory Guttiau bread chips that will transport your taste buds. (Pansardo)
• Panettone – Light, fluffy, and packed with the finest dried fruits, the quintessential Italian holiday cake. (Eataly)
• Gavi White Wine, La Scolca – A crisp, refreshing Italian white wine to complement the day’s tastings. (Shaw Ross)

• Prosecco Rosé – A sparkling, pink Prosecco that adds elegance to every sip. (Valdo)
• Portofino Gin ‘Negroni la Vela’ Cocktail – A classic Negroni with a refined twist. (Gadabout)
• Calizzano Mineral Water – Ad Maiora, perfect for refreshing your palate.

DJ Set by Jinamarie: Immerse yourself in a lounge-inspired atmosphere, setting a relaxed, yet sophisticated mood.

Day 3: December 6th

Ground Floor – Cocktail Area 1
• Strega Mule Cocktail – The iconic cocktail rounds off our final day of indulgence. (Shaw Ross)

2nd Floor – Cocktail Area 2
• Bona Mini Caciottes – A selection of small, artisanal cheeses in classic, truffle, chili pepper, and black pepper flavors. (Pansardo)
• Breadchips – Savory Guttiau bread chips, perfect for pairing with all your favorite flavors. (Pansardo)
• Truffle Cream with Chips – A luxurious truffle cream served with crispy chips for an unforgettable bite. (Tita Imports)
• Trifulot Chocolate Truffles – Decadent chocolate truffles. (Tartuflanghe)
• Panettone – The perfect sweet ending to your gourmet journey. (Eataly)
• Gavi White Wine, La Scolca – A crisp, refreshing Italian white wine to complement the day’s tastings. (Shaw Ross)

5th Floor – Cocktail Area 3
• Pass-around Bites: Sambuca Cured Salmon & Blood Orange Marmalade Crostini – Warm Gorgonzola Polenta – Crispy Olives & Chicken Liver Toast – Prosecco Gelee Meatball & San Marzano Tomato – Crispy Zucchini Flowers Filled with Goat Cheese and Arugula

• Brut DOC Yellow Label & Brut DOCG Superior Label – Two exceptional Prosecco selections from Valdo, perfect for toasting the final day.
• Portofino Gin ‘Portofino & Tonic’ Cocktail – A refreshing and aromatic gin cocktail to finish the experience. (Gadabout)
• Calizzano Mineral Water – Ad Maiora’s water to cleanse the palate and keep you refreshed.

DJ Set by Nuni Love: The final day culminates with an upbeat party atmosphere, filling the space with energy and excitement.

Join us for three unforgettable days, where Italy’s finest culinary creations and drinks will delight your senses and elevate your palate. This is more than just an event—it’s an immersion into the luxurious world of gourmet Italian flavors.

Food Partners

Ad Maiora

Ad Maiora is a gourmet food distributor specializing in Italian imports. Founded in 1997, the company is headquartered in Rome, Italy, with an operational office in Florida. Their product range includes a variety of Italian delicacies that cater to regional distributors, major retailers, and gourmet grocery stores. The company’s mission is to bring authentic Italian flavors to the American market, ensuring high quality and taste for their customers.

www.admaioraseafood.com

Pansardo

Pansardo LLC is a Sardinian family-run business based in Bonita Springs, Florida. They are known for exporting high-quality sheep and goat cheeses from Sardinia, Italy. Their products are popular in regional distributors, major retailers, and ecommerce companies.

www.pansardo.com

Tartuflanghe

Tartuflanghe Srl was founded in 1968 and specializes in the manufacturing of sausages, cured meats, smoked meats, and other meat specialties. They are renowned for their innovative use of truffles, creating a variety of products from truffle pasta to freeze-dried truffles.

https://tartuflanghe.com/

Beverage Partners

Portofino

Portofino Dry Gin is an artisanal gin crafted to capture the essence of the picturesque village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Founded by Ruggero Raymo, Alessandro Briola, and Christopher Egger, the gin is a tribute to Klaus Pudel, Raymo’s grandfather, who is considered a local legend for saving Portofino during World War II. Distilled using the London Dry method, Portofino Dry Gin features a blend of 21 locally sourced botanicals, including the region’s distinctive maritime pine, which evoke the Mediterranean shore. The gin aims to bring the beauty and charm of Portofino to every sip, offering an unforgettable journey along the Mediterranean coast3.

www.portofinogin.com

Tita Italian Import & Export

Tita Italian Import & Export LLC, also known as Tita Italia, was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company specializes in importing and exporting Italian gourmet foods and carefully selected wines. They are recognized for the excellence of their products, which are featured in the best restaurants, hotels, and gourmet shops. Tita Italia serves customers in Florida and ten other states, offering a variety of products such as wines, desserts, fresh truffles, and caviar

www.titaitalia.com

Valdo Spumanti USA

Valdo is a renowned Italian winery, founded in 1926 in Valdobbiadene, a region in northern Italy known for its spectacular natural beauty and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The winery is part of the Bolla family, who have been in the wine-making industry for over 90 years. Valdo is dedicated to producing high-quality Prosecco and Italian sparkling wines, controlling the entire production process from grape growing to bottling.

www.us.valdo.com

Strega liqueur

Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur produced since 1860 by Strega Alberti Benevento S.p.A. It is known for its distinctive yellow color, derived from saffron, and its complex flavor profile that includes mint and juniper berries. Strega is enjoyed as a digestif and is also used in various cocktails.

www.solarilineadesign.com

DECEMBER 4–6 | at

EACH DAY:

• 4:00PM-6:00PM | BUSINESS NETWORKING IN THE EXPO AREA
• 6:00PM-7:00PM | THE TALKS
• 7:00PM-9:00PM | NETWORKING COCKTAIL

DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4^TH

6:00PM | WELCOME REMARKS

Graziano Sbroggiò President, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast

6:05PM | GREETINGS

Hon. Michele Mistò, Consul General of Italy in Miami

6:10PM | PRESENTATION: “ITALIAN FURNITURE EXPORTS TO THE U.S.: CURRENT TRENDS AND MARKET INSIGHTS”

Presented by Italian Trade Agency

Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency – Miami office

6:25 PM | PRESENTATION: preview of THE UPCOMING EDITION OF SALONE DEL MOBILE MILANO

Presented by Federlegno Arredo

Marco Sabetta, General Manager, Salone del Mobile.Milano

6:40 PM | PRESENTATION: “The INTEGRATION between art, traditional craftmanship and modern technology: why Italy remains the top choice for sophisticated interiors”

Presented by ASID Florida South

A conversation with Ugo Colombo, President, CMC Group

Introduced by Kenneth Crawford, President , ASID Florida South (moderator)

DAY 2 – THURSDAY DECEMBER 5^TH

6:00PM | PANEL: “WHERE ART AND DESIGN CONVERGE: ITALIAN INSPIRATIONS IN HOSPITALITY INTERIORS”

Presented by AIA Miami

A conversation with Sean Saladino, Principal, Saladino Design Studio – Paul Bishop, Founder, Bishop Design

Introduced by Angel C. Saqui, President, AIA Miami (moderator)

6:30PM | PANEL: “the growth of south florida’s furniture market”

Presented by Istituto Marangoni Miami

A conversation with Thais Fontenelle, Showroom Director, Minotti Miami – Marco Maset, President, Snaidero America – Giorgio Ricci, Executive Vice President, Moroso USA, Thelma Lazo-Flores, Dean of Interior Design, Istituto Marangoni Miami (moderator)

DAY 3 – FRIDAY DECEMBER 6^TH

6:00PM | GREETINGS

Hakan Baykam, CEO and President, Istituto Marangoni Miami

6:00PM | PANEL: The influence of Italian ICONIC brands on interior aesthetics: THE POWER OF collaborations.

Presented by IIDA South Florida

A conversation with Mikael Hamaoui, Founder & CEO, Riviera Horizons (Pagani Residences) – Samuele Sordi, Chief Architect Officer, Pininfarina of America, Brianna Hunter, President Elect, IIDA South Florida Chapter, NCIDQ, IIDA, RID (moderator)

6:30PM | PRESENTATION: THE FUSION OF ITALIAN CULTURE AND RETAIL DESIGN: THE CASE OF EATALY

A conversation with Tommaso Brusò, CEO North America, Eataly, Introduced by Midori Shim, Past President, IIDA South Florida Chapter, NCIDQ, IIDA, RID (moderator)

6:50PM | PANEL: “WHEN art meets interiors: how art-inspired interiors create emotional experiences”

Presented by IIDA South Florida

Anna Caruso, Principal, Arquitectonica – Dawn Gunter, Managing Director, Gensler, Simi Burg, Associate Principal, HLB, Midori Shim, Past President, IIDA South Florida Chapter, NCIDQ, IIDA, RID (moderator)