The Steel Soul of the Balkans: Carlo Centofanti’s Challenge with a Forgione Bike
From the skilled hands of an artisan in Irpinia to the wildest trails of Europe: this is the story of Carlo Centofanti, the Italian cyclist who tackled the 2025 Trans Balkan Race riding a custom steel bicycle crafted by Vincenzo Forgione, framebuilder based in Gesualdo, in the Irpinia region.
The Trans Balkan Race is not just a race: it’s an extreme journey of 1,300 km and 27,000 meters of elevation gain across Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro. A test that demands strength, strategy, and absolute trust in your bike.
For Carlo, the choice was clear: no industrial bikes, but a handmade, custom steel frame forged by Vincenzo Forgione. Every detail was carefully designed together, with the goal of building a stable, reliable, and comfortable bike, suited for long distances, mud, rocky paths, and impossible climbs.
“Every bicycle must speak the language of its rider,” says Vincenzo. “With Carlo we worked closely together: we wanted a bike that was lightweight, durable, and responsive on every type of terrain.”
The result? A bicycle that endured harsh weather, cold nights, extreme climbs, river crossings, and the solitude of the long Balkan race — with a steel soul crafted far away, but designed precisely for that challenge.
“It’s not just a bike: it’s a travel companion. In moments of fatigue and extreme solitude, knowing your bike won’t let you down makes all the difference,” Carlo said at the end of the race.
A Bike with a Soul, also on Bikepacking.com
Carlo’s Forgione bike was also selected by Bikepacking.com on their official page Rigs of the 2025 Trans Balkan Race, among the most interesting bikes of the edition. A recognition that confirms the craftsmanship and technical value of the work done in Gesualdo.
In an era dominated by carbon and industrial production, the choice of Carlo and Vincenzo represents a return to the value of things made well, by hand, with passion. A bike can be much more than a means of transport: it can be your strength, your security, your story.
Forgione Frames: the steel that endures, even in the Balkans.
