Yogyakarta, the great unknown of Indonesia
On the island of Java, Yogyakarta is the only region in the country still governed by a sultan, and that blend of tradition, spirituality, and cultural pride can be felt in every corner.
Roads that wind through an almost unreal green, dotted with palm trees and rice fields where locals still work as they did in the past, by hand and getting around by bicycle. Perhaps that’s why Yogyakarta boasts a strong, authentic, and deeply rooted cycling culture, making it a true paradise for road cycling enthusiasts.
A festival on wheels
Il Festino is much more than a race: it’s a cycling festival. Everything revolves around a hotel complex full of tropical gardens, where brands and participants live together in a vibrant village. In this fourth edition, about 600 people arrived between Friday and Saturday to enjoy the morning social ride and pick up their race number before the big day.
A blue and yellow river
The big day arrived on Sunday. For this edition, the Il Festino organization designed the official jersey together with Gobik, a combination of blue and yellow that shone even brighter under Yogyakarta’s radiant sun.
The roads filled with color and passion. The local fans deserve a mention: children, adults, and elders cheered on all the participants with overflowing energy, vibrant looks, and a hospitality that touches your heart.
In Jogja, you understand that, no matter the place, the bicycle is a universal language that unites us.
Jogja: a land of contrasts that transforms you
Il Festino is more than a race. From bustling markets to the serenity of the rice fields, the route connects landscapes, culture, and sensations. Cyclists take home tradition, hospitality, and endless smiles.
And riding in Yogyakarta is not just about adding kilometers; it’s an inner journey that stays with you long after you cross the finish line.
