Torino Sports & Outdoors

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First Capital of Italy, Torino's special role through the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the unification of the country couldn't spare the Giro d'Italia. The city hosted the first stage but saw the Giro passing through it again three weeks later, a great occasion to watch and cheer the favorite riders.

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The 2008 edition of the Turin Marathon took place on April 13, with its start and finish organized in Piazza Castello. The event included the game-competition run of 1,195 m for kids.
Other yearly classic running events of the day were the fund-raising Stratorino and the Tuttadritta, two occasions for competitors and non-competing participants who just enjoy being out there, many showing off their costumes or weird vehicles, or walking their dogs.
The marathon was participated and concluded by an Italian guy who just established the amazing world record of 51 marathon runs completed in 51 consecutive days!

Despite it was election day, the streets were filled with thousands of citizens and visitors enjoying a city-wide party. We, as well as thousands of others, took out our bicycles to wander around in perfect weather conditions.
Other events of the day in town were the ULEB European basketball cup finals, the Italian Diving Championships and the Supermoto GP.
So much to do in Torino for sport lovers!

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I've been here three times now. I’ve seen two 1-0 defeats and one brilliant 3-2 win. The ground itself is huge and impressive. In fact it is too big.

An all seater stadium with a capacity of 67,200 opened in 1990 for the World Cup, which was held that year in Italy

Not a great stadium for watching football though. The fans seem to be too far away from the pitch as there is a running track around the pitch. This does help out sometimes when the flares, which are so often held aloft by supporters in the crowd, are thrown onto it when things get a bit hairy for the flare holder.

There are plans ahead to build a smaller more compact stadium. Juventus are moving for 2006/07 season to the Olympic stadium (stadio Olimpico) in Turin, the site of the previous “Comunale” stadium, which was recently refurbished due to the Winter Olympics, held in Turin in 2006

This will give them the chance to change the Stadio Delle Alpi into a better football stadium.

I'm not a runner but I thought of sharing this information with joggers as I see many of these while cycling.
City parks are quite safe and populated with jogging enthusiasts all year round from sunrise to dusk. Availability of paved or gravel terrain can fit most routines and training sessions for groups or singles.
I would recommend the following parks:
- Pellerina (Mario Carrara)
- Colletta
- Valentino/Vallere
- Ruffini
Another great venue is La Mandria for those who want to get a little farther form the city center, while I believe the Stupinigi trails have a bit too rough a terrain to enjoy.
Other than parks, the eastern (hillside) bank of the Po river seems to be a favorite as well as the majority of cycling paths.

Indoor ice rinks in Torino:

PalaTazzoli (Stadio del ghiaccio Tazzoli)
Via San Remo, 67 - Torino
Probably closed on Mondays.
Operating months and special events

PalaMassari
Via Massari, 114 - Torino
Open 9:00 - 23:00 closed on Mondays.
Operating months and special events

PalaVela
Via Ventimiglia, 145 - Torino
Probably closed on Mondays. Normally operated from October through March.

Typical fee is around 10.00 Euro including skate rental, or 6.00 Euro if you bring your own.
Skating area is that of a regular ice hockey field, which is 60 m by 30 m
Two more interesting indoor ice rinks that I tested are located in Pinerolo (about 40 Km south of Torino) and Torre Pellice (some 45 Km soutwest of Torino).
There is no outdoors skating space in town.

Equipment: Skate rentals available, ID deposit requested.

Except for minor depressions found along its four rivers, Torino lies on a mainly flat area to the west of the Po river (left bank). Opposite bank otherwise has an imposing hill culminating at the Colle della Maddalena which stands 500 m (1,650 ft) above the river - max elevation here is 715 m (2,350 ft). This geographic feature is proper ground for day hikes along a network - over 70 Km (44 mi) - of signposted and numbered trails. These go through the Parco della Collina Torinese, other parks and abundant vegetation for enjoyable walks during summer months.
Longest hikes can exceed 4 hours.
Link herebelow to a decently detailed map of trails.

Equipment: Typical seasonal hiking equipment.
At least comfortable shoes, water bottle, snacks and cell phone.

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Whether or not you're a bicycle enthusiast, a committed user or a professional, the Giro d'Italia would hook you up. Like it happens for the Tour de France and the Vuelta de Espana there's a lot of talk before, during and after the event - some would deem it too much talk - that has been happening for a whole century. The Giro 2009 was actually the 92nd edition, due to WWII interruption, but the 100-year celebration of the event. Stage 11 started from Torino.
If you plan to attend the event - anywhere in Italy near the race roads - be aware of road closures before and after the passage (one hour or more) which can cause traffic havoc.
Stages through the mountains of Piemonte are included in every edition and it's a nice occasion to attend and see some live action and the pink paraphernalia around the riders. Going up the narrow ribbon of mountain roads requires good planning. Some prefer to reach the spot the day before and sleep in a tent or a camper, and wait to leave several hours after the event to avoid traffic nightmares.

Despite consciousness is growing among drivers, like in most urban areas it is suggested to avoid shared roads in town by choosing to stay on dedicated trails. Traffic restrictions have dictated a consistent increase of freewheeling Turinese commuters although the ratio is far behind that of northern European countries.

Turin is expanding and renovating its network of cycling trails and routes within the urban area. There are currently over 100 Km (60 mi) of dedicated cycling trails across the city and these are a viable solution to reach most neighborhoods.
One of the best cycling trails is the one unfolding along the Po river inside Vallere and Valentino parks, extending to Stupinigi Castle and its park to the south, and Colletta park or San Mauro to the north. Try to avoid Sunday crowds if cycling through parks.
One of my favorite tours is what I call "the 4 rivers", 50 Km (30 mi) along the Dora, Stura, Po and Sangone rivers. Most of the ride is within city parks and dedicated trails.

Public bicycle rentals are available at various locations including selected city parks, check website link herebelow for information (page in Italian language only).
Map of cycling paths can be accessed from this link.