In recent years, Genoa has become a hidden gem for trail riding; the hilly hinterland of this port city offers the best of Liguria without the hassle of shuttles or the crowds typical of Finale. Genoa has also become a regular stop on the Red Bull Cerro Abajo Series, the urban downhill races that originated in Latin America and will soon open their second European branch in Stuttgart.

Last weekend, in this historic northern Italian city, urban specialists took to the alleys, stairways, and retaining walls. The 2.2-kilometer racecourse descends 280 meters in elevation from Monte Peralto down to Largo della Zecca in the old town. The organizer spices up the narrow street canyons, steps, and building corners with wall rides, jump ramps, and launch ramps, creating a fluid run where the urban riders can let loose. Here’s the POV footage of Hugo Vieira’s winning run. In the alleys, which are barely wider than the handlebars, even watching is nerve-wracking.

It’s striking that a new group of specialists has emerged in the Cerro Abajo races. You won’t find their names in the UCI Downhill World Cup. On the other hand, riders in Genoa who have at least once ridden in the downhill circuit—such as Sam Blenkinsop or Brook Macdonald—had nothing to do with the victory on the streets of Genoa.

The fastest to cross the finish line was Brazilian Sergio Vieira, ahead of the indomitable Johannes Fischbach (who, after all, finished in the top 10 at the DH World Championships 15 years ago) and Spaniard Alex Marin. Standings 

The final round of the series is a first: In Stuttgart, the capital of the “two-meter rule,” the Cerro Abajo racers get to blast down into the city exclusively from the Teehaus, with the finish line located at Wilhelmsplatz. In between, there are various staircases known as “Staffele” and, of course, the most epic kickers and road gaps to conquer.

And if anyone here feels motivated and capable of tearing down a one-meter-wide staircase at 50 km/h, the next step would be to submit a compelling application to Red Bull.