Amy McPherson
Have thoughts of the upcoming Giro d’Italia fuelled your competitive spirit? Have you conquered the Cycling Classics and want more Gran Fondo action? Combine it with a trip to Italy and you’ve got your ultimate cycling holiday.
Italy is the home of the Gran Fondo. The very original Gran Fondo was reportedly held in May 1971, when a group of friends decided to get up at 5am in the seaside town of Cesenatico on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, to race the Nove Colli, a route that later became the first official ‘Gran Fondo’.
Today, this cycling mad nation that brings you the beautiful routes of Giro d’Italia has Gran Fondos all over its boot shaped peninsula, each offer choice of race distances, showcasing the regional landscapes of heart-stopping elevation gains that will put all your hard earned Watts to the test.
1) Granfondo Laigueglia
This usually sleepy stretch of the Italian Riviera in Liguria gets into a cycling frenzy each year with Granfondo Laigueglia. Usually held in late February, a week or two before the professional race, the Trofeo Laigueglia, traditionally considered the opening race of professional cycling in Italy.
Don’t underestimate the seaside destination. Although the race begins with the coastal town of Laigueglia, a colourful former fishing community, only the first 20 kilometres are on flat grounds before it winds into the hinterland of the Riviera delle Palme.
The Granfondo will have you struggle up sharp steep ascends, climbing a total of 1700 metres over the 112 kilometre route into the Ligurian hills. The reward is the sweeping view of the sea on the descend back into town toward the finish where you can settle into a seaside restaurant for a few courses of well-deserved local seaside cuisine.
Usually held at the end of February each year, 2027 dates TBC
2) Granfondo Strade Bianche
Known as ‘Europe’s most southerly northern classic’, the annual Gran Fondo Strade Bianche is a chance to take on the challenge of the legendary white roads of this Italian modern classic, with the event usually taking place a week after the professional race of the same roads.
This is gravel riding in Tuscany at its best. The race starting and ending in the beautiful medieval city of Siena, and winds its way into the Tuscan hills, at times dotted with historic hamlets, lined with the iconic Cyprus trees and most definitely be shrouded by dust.
This is a spring Gran Fondo to dust off the winter lulls, literally. A race that is defined by the plumes of dust, the grit and skills of the riders, and the sharp climb of Le Tolfe. At 18% gradient, it is not for the faint hearted. Can you match Tadej Pogačar’s record-setting 81km solo attack in 2024? You won’t know until you’ve tried it.
Next edition is expected to be held in March 2027.
3) Granfondo Michele Scarponi
A Gran Fondo that was established in memory of Italian professional cyclist and 2011 Giro d’Italia winner, Michele Scarponi, who had died when he was hit by a car during training in 2017.
The Granfondo Michele Scarponi is held from Scarponi’s hometown, Filottrano in the Le Marche region, crossing the provinces of Ancona and Macerata featuring the streets where he trained, in and out of the rolling landscapes of Marche, with a section of gravel roads to make this a mixed terrain race.
Join this lesser known Granfondo that combines authentic beauty of the Italian countryside, a challenging ride and a tribute to one of Italy’s most loved cyclists.
The organisers also use this event to highlight road safety concerns, as reflected in its motto “The road belongs to everyone, starting with the weakest”
Current edition was held on 19 April 2026. 2027 dates TBC.
4) Granfondo Colnago
Held on the shores of Lake Garda and its hinterlands, Gran Fondo Colnago is part of the weekend long Colnago Cycling Festival held each year in Spring.
The race starts and finishes in Desenzano del Garda and takes on the hills on the west side of the lake, including the 8.3 kilometres of Valvestino, a well-known climb that has an average gradient of 6.5%.
The reward is a look back towards the azure waters of the lake as you descend, and a festival atmosphere to welcome you at the finish line.
This is one of the perfect Granfondos for those travelling with family and friends who may or may not be racing. As part of the cycling festival, there is also an option to ride a tour of the lake, or race off-road on a gravel route, as well as family activities on offer.
The 2026 edition was held on 12 April. 2027 dates are TBC.
www.colnagocyclingfestival.com
5) Nove Colli
Considered the oldest and largest Gran Fondo in Italy, the Nove Colli is a proper piece of Italian heritage. Tough but memorable, there are nine significant climbs through the Apennines, including Barbotto that was featured in the start stage of 2024 Tour de France Grand Depart in Italy.
The race starts in the port town of Cesenatico, famous for the canal that was designed by Leonardo da Vinci and also the start point of stage two of Tour de France.
The combined elevation gain of 3840m is not to be leered at nor should the sheer competitiveness of the riders, many come year after year to try to best their own personal best.
This year’s edition will be held on 24 May 2026.
Look out for part two next week.
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Amy McPherson
Amy McPherson - A London-based Aussie, Amy is a keen cyclist and runner. A highly-respected travel writer, she specialises in active travel in France and Italy.
