The Pavia Motorboat Club, in close cooperation with the Venice Motorboat Club, is proud to organize the historic Raid Pavia–Venezia under the patronage of the Italian Powerboating Federation, FIM. The race, scheduled for Sunday, 31 May 2026, covers an impressive distance of 413 kilometres from Pavia to Venice. It is considered one of the most prestigious events in international powerboat racing. This year, as of February 2026, a total of 95 racing boats have registered for the event, underlining its great popularity and significance. Among them are once again historic hydroplanes, almost all of them powered by classic Alfa Romeo engines, which are not only renowned for their remarkable performance but also represent a living testimony to motorsport history.
the 73rd International Raid Pavia-Venice
is a fascinating blend of sport and tradition. Competitors and spectators from all over the world are drawn to this race, which stands out not only for its thrilling competition but also as a vivid reminder of the rich heritage of powerboat racing. The combination of the scenic route and the presence of historic hydroplanes makes this race a unique and unforgettable event in the powerboating calendar.
The Raid Pavia–Venezia is regarded as one of the most challenging and longest inland races in the world. The course stretches over an impressive 413 kilometres without interruption along the picturesque yet demanding waterways of the Ticino and Po rivers in Italy. Year after year, the race attracts adventurers and motorsport enthusiasts who are eager to face its many and often unpredictable challenges.
Competitors must demonstrate not only extraordinary endurance and skill to complete the distance, but also a deep understanding of the river course and the local conditions. The risks are numerous and add to the intensity of the race. Low water levels can reveal hidden sandbanks and rocks, while high water brings strong currents and turbulent conditions. In addition, drivers must cope with changing weather, including sudden gusts of wind, as well as the danger of drifting debris that can appear without warning. Bridge pillars are another particular hazard, becoming serious obstacles at the high speeds reached by these hydroplanes.
A characteristic element of the race is the scheduled stop at the Isola Serafini lock. This pause serves not only for refuelling the boats, but also for passing through the lock itself. It is a moment when teams, beyond their strategic planning, also have the opportunity to carry out minor repairs and briefly recover from the strain of the race. This stop is crucial in preparing for the challenges ahead and is used by the competitors to check their boats and ready themselves for the remainder of the course.
After mastering the challenges of the Ticino and Po rivers, the competitors finally reach the finish in the historic Arsenal of Venice. Arriving there is not only the end of a demanding race, but also a triumphant moment in one of the most picturesque and historic cities in Italy. Although there are other inland races of similar length or difficulty, the Raid Pavia–Venezia remains unique, both in terms of its physical demands and its cultural and historical significance. Every year, it draws an international community of racing enthusiasts eager to take on this extraordinary event.
THE Teo Rossi di Montelera trophy
The Teo Rossi di Montelera Trophy is awarded to the competitor who achieves the highest average speed on the 55 kilometre Revere–Pontelagoscuro timed section of the Raid Pavia–Venezia. This perpetual trophy was established in memory of Count Teo Rossi di Montelera, a passionate powerboat racer who took part in several editions of the event.
The original trophy is kept at the Pavia Motorboat Club, and the name of each season’s winner is engraved on its base. Winning the Teo Rossi di Montelera Trophy is considered a major achievement in powerboat racing and stands as proof of a driver’s skill, speed, and determination. The trophy is awarded at the end of the race during a ceremony that honours the achievements of all participants and preserves the legacy of Count Teo Rossi di Montelera.
The 2026 RACER Class, where passion and speed come together
One of the highlights of the 73rd Raid Pavia–Venezia is once again the RACER Class. Here, tradition, technical perfection, and a pure love for watersport come together. In this class, drivers line up with boats prepared with remarkable dedication and craftsmanship, boats that have often written history over decades and are now ready to prove once again that true speed is never a matter of build year.
The following drivers are entered in the Historic Hydroplane Class for 2026, as of February 2026:
Startnummer 57 – Alberto Huober 🇮🇹
Startnummer 45 – Gianfranco Crespi 🇮🇹
Startnummer 96 – Angelo Cocozza 🇮🇹 (not Historic)
Startnummer 77 – Paolo Romagnoli 🇮🇹
Startnummer 98 – Re Luigi 🇮🇹
Startnummer 996 – Marcello Guillerno 🇩🇪
The following drivers were entered in the Historic Hydroplane Class for 2025:
- Startnummer 85 – Alfredo Pettinaroli 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 7 – Alberto Huober 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 45 – Gianfranco Crespi 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 3 – Giovanni Rosi 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 107 – Gianandrea Girolami 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 96 – Angelo Cocozza 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 12 – Mauro Balzarini 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 77 – Paolo Romagnoli 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 98 – Re Luigi 🇮🇹
- Startnummer 996 – Marcello Guillerno 🇩🇪
Each of these drivers brings his own story, experience, and passion into the race. In the end, however, they are all united by one common goal: to conquer the 413 kilometres from Pavia to Venice, against the current, against the clock, and above all with their whole soul devoted to this unique sport.
The RACER Class, where courage, engineering, and the pure will for speed come together.
