Events, 13th July, 2021
1000 Miglia 2021
This year was like no other! The 1000 Miglia 2021 took place in June instead of the traditional second week of May, due to Covid-19 measures. On top of that, the route was the other way around. So instead of going clock-wise from Brescia to Rome and back, we went anti-clockwise. This meant that we spent the first night in Viareggio, second night Rome and then we stayed our last night in Bologna. This year is characterized by the scorching heat, boiled feet from the engine and sweaty backs, among other areas. Yet, due to the more extreme conditions than what we are used to from the 1000 Miglia, there was an air of comradery, more so than previous years. We all underestimated the June heat in Italy. The technical checks were at another location than the expected Fiera, giving it an exciting twist. However, this location was smaller meaning the cars were not able to be parked here in the days before the event. This made the city of Brescia being filled with exquisite classic cars. S2 classic cars was responsible for the service of four cars this year: an AC Bristol, Alfa Romeo 1900CS, Alfa Romeo 1900CSS and a AC Ace. Our start numbers are 271, 272, 273, and 298. We are all next to or close to each other! We are able to see each other at the lunch and dinner stops, if all goes well. After the technical checks, we drove to Piazza Vittoria to get our sealing. It’s always amazing that so many people come and see the cars in the city centre. The 1000 Miglia is truly part of the culture in Brescia.
Day one: Brescia to Viareggio
As per usual, on the day of the start of the race, we all had lunch at the Mille Miglia Museum. After which the planes with the Italian flag open the start of the event! The time between arriving at the museum and being allowed to start always proceeds at a snail’s pace. The tension starts to build quickly while you try to enter the first time trials into your app. We used an app as our Tripmaster was not working properly with the heat. If the only thing in our car that isn’t working is our Tripmaster, then we should be fine! You never know with classic cars. Fingers crossed! And then off we were! First checkpoint was not to Salò, Desenzano or Sirmione. No, the first checkpoint was Montirone, then Cremona and Busseto. We had our first time trial in Busseto where the first cars starting to overheat waiting in the queue. Following the lunch in Parma, we enjoyed the bends and stunning views of the CisaPass. Our first reaction was that it was so nice to see so many spectators despite the pandemic. The day ended in Viareggio where we had a lovely dinner by the water. We received a beautiful bouquet of flowers which was an odd gift for the first day of a race. However, little did most know, the were flowers that can be dried. (I still have these flowers as a reminder of the first leg of the 1000 Miglia 2021)
Day two: Viareggio to Rome
Day two! It was a difficult day to wake up but we had some beautiful Tuscan cities on our agenda such as our first checkpoint Pisa. We drove along the river and of course some of the historical sites. After which we drove on twisting roads towards the sea to Rosignano Marittimo. In Bibbona we had a small stop where we received some snacks. We needed to be in Bibbona exactly 3 hours and 15 minutes after our starting time from Viareggio. This can sometimes mean that you need to that you need to be aware that there may be a 1000 Miglia traffic jam to get your timeslot. Some participants do not care for the game element and thus do not participate in the time trails or time slots. In Massa Marittima, we found out that the heat of the rear tires was ‘melting’ the paint of the body. The Bordeaux red paint was starting to colour yellow and was chipping off. But this didn’t prevent us from continuing. Lunch was by the sea in Castiglione della Pescaia where we enjoyed a buffet of lovely pastas, salads, antipasti, and especially the shade! We drove by a stunning town Pitigliano which is a city basically built on the rocks and it appears to be an extension of the mountain. Shortly after we stopped in Grosseto, then Marta, Viterbo, Ronciglione after ending the day in Rome. Rome is always a special moment. It is the end of one of the two longest days, it is the halfway point, the most exhausting moment in the race, but the beauty of the city makes it all worthwhile. The cars are grouped into large groups that finish near each other and then we get an police escort through the streets and historical sites of Rome. Imagine driving past the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Piazza San Pietro between all these exclusive and unique classic cars. Sound like a dream? Yes, I feels like one too.
Day three: Rome to Bologna
Day three! By now our cars are all sticky and with multiple layers of Tuscan dust. Day three is always a tough day due to the lack of sleep but also weather-wise. Last year in October, we had the largest rainstorm Italy saw that summer. This year we had another extreme: we found out that it was 37 degrees Celsius outside. Let alone how hot it was sitting on top of a boiling engine in an open car the whole day. This day we went more inland. We are starting the day with the first stops Civita Castellana, Amelia and Orvieto. We were welcomed in Amelia with an small orchestra with traditional clothing, flags and music. The time trial on our way to Orvieto was very dusty. So dusty that we were not able to see if somebody actually passed us by or to see my rally app clearly. Another few layers of dust were added to our AC. To add injury to insult, soon after, near Arezzo, we experienced a miniature rain shower, enough to leave some nice spots in the layers of dust. That the colour of the car was hard to define was only a minor issue, what did give us some concerns was that our brakes were starting to heat up due to the enormous amount of dust and heat, so we stopped for a check-up by our service team. A good moment to cool down, the car and us. After Orvieto, we needed to stop again at a more convenient place for our service team to fix the brakes. It was crucial to have good brakes, because of the two passes we had to drive, later that day. It only took a few moments and we were again up and running for the rest of the day. Arezzo next. Arezzo had a beautiful Piazza with buildings covered in colourful shields. Such an amazing sight! The route followed through Montevarchi, Radda in Chianti, and Prato. In Prato, we drove through the famous textile centre and even received the gift of a hand-made 1000 Miglia scarf. One more checkpoint at Barberino di Mugello and then the Futa Pass and the Raticosa Pass. We received amazing views during the sunset before arriving in Bologna for the night. Here we had dinner inside of the Palazzo Re Enzo. Very interesting!
Day four: Bologna to Brescia
The last day of the 1000 Miglia 2021 has arrived. We had the luxury to sleep an extra hour as the starting times are always an hour later on the last day of the race. Today we have our first stops in Modena, Reggio Emilia and then Mantova. This day always very ‘relaxed’. At the time trials, we usually need to wait, just like this day. However this year most people who turn off the car and start walking and pushing the car through the queue to try and cool off the engine. A perfect opportunity to get to know the other participants better. Driving into Mantova always feels somewhat magical as you drive over the water to a magnificent historic city with the Basilica greeting you. We stopped for a coffee here, leaving our AC Bristol and an Alfa Romeo 1900CSS on the piazza. After the coffee, an Italian gentleman asked if he could take a seat in our AC. Of course, he could! So, he climbed in and enjoyed the moment. While he was getting out of the car, he encountered some difficulties. He manoeuvred the wrong way and ripped his pants! Such a funny and unforgettable moment between people who verbally cannot communicate because of the language barrier but with body language all was said! From Mantova we drove to our lunch spot Verona. Here we could park our cars just next to the Arena on Piazza Bra. Our lunch was this time different as we received vouchers to eat at the local restaurants which was a nice touch! And then we’re off on the last leg of the race through Sirmione, Desenzano and Salò. Along side the Garda Lake. People are always so enthusiastic here and the crowds are larger. It feels very welcoming and happy! And then.. the finish!! We made it! We are so proud that our whole team made it to the finish as well. A job very well done by the whole team. Now it’s time for a long cool drink, some good Italian food and exchanging adventures and experiences of the other participants. What a trip! Xx Emma Would you like to follow us real-time this June for the next 1000 Miglia? Follow our Instagram as Emma will be posting stories and photo’s of the event.
Interested in joining the 1000 Miglia with our service team and want more information? You are always welcome to contact us or you can read more information on our site. Intrigued? We also have an article about other events such as Wheels at the Palace Soestdijk. Klik here to read that article too
