Bergamo Becomes the Cycling Capital of the World: The Gran Fondo Il Lombardia Felice Gimondi Starts Here for the First Time

Category: Cycling & Territory | Reading time: 4 minutes

October 2026 marks a historic moment for Bergamo and for Italian cycling. For the very first time, the Gran Fondo Il Lombardia — dedicated to the great Bergamo-born champion Felice Gimondi — will start from the city itself, on Sunday 11 October, the day after the professional race Il Lombardia.

This is no ordinary event. It's the weekend that turns Bergamo into the world capital of cycling.

A Weekend Not to Miss: Il Lombardia + Gran Fondo

The programme is already confirmed and promises spectacle on two levels. On Saturday 10 October, the professionals take to the road for the Race of the Falling Leaves — the final Monument of the season — starting in Bergamo with the finish expected in Como. Among the starters will be Tadej Pogačar, already five-time consecutive winner of the race, chasing a sixth title that would set an all-time record.

The following day, Sunday 11 October, it's the amateurs' turn: thousands of cyclists from across Europe will set off from the same ground as the pros, experiencing first-hand the atmosphere of a Monument Classic.

The Gran Fondo Route: Tough, Beautiful, Emotional

The course is not for everyone. The 2026 Gran Fondo Il Lombardia departs from Largo Gavazzeni and heads straight for the most iconic climbs in the Bergamo area. The first major challenge is the Valico di Valcava, with its final section consistently above 10% and gradients peaking at 17%. The route then descends into the Val Brembana and passes through Sedrina — the hometown of Felice Gimondi — a fitting tribute in the year that marks the 60th anniversary of his first victory at Il Lombardia, back in 1966.

Next come the climb of Miragolo San Salvatore (around 9 km at an average of 7%, with peaks of 12%) and the short but brutal Passo Salmezza. The finale is worthy of a Monument Classic: the finish is at Colle Aperto in Città Alta, following the final test of the Boccola — historic cobblestones and gradients of up to 12%.

Why This Event Matters to You Too

Whether you want to take part in the Gran Fondo or simply soak up the atmosphere of a unique cycling weekend, Bergamo is the place to be on 10 and 11 October. And if you've ever dreamed of riding the same roads as the champions, now is your chance.

Rent a road bike, train on the local routes in the weeks leading up to the event, and arrive at the start line ready. Valcava, Miragolo, Salmezza, the Boccola — every climb feels better with legs already familiar with the terrain.

We're here to help you prepare: our road bikes are available for single training rides or weekly packages, fitted to your measurements and always kept in perfect mechanical condition.

Bergamo and Cycling: A Bond That Spans Generations

It's no coincidence that Bergamo is hosting an event of this scale. As Mayor Elena Carnevali said at the official presentation, this is "a great sporting event that tells the story of the identity of our territory." Felice Gimondi, born in Sedrina, is the symbol of that bond: world champion, winner of all three Grand Tours, and the first Bergamasco to become a global cycling legend.

The Gran Fondo that bears his name, starting from home soil for the first time, is an emotion that goes far beyond any finish time.

→ Book your road bike and train for Il Lombardia

Tags: Gran Fondo Il Lombardia 2026, Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi Bergamo, Il Lombardia 2026 Bergamo, Valico di Valcava, road bike rental Bergamo, cycling Bergamo October 2026, Race of the Falling Leaves, Gran Fondo Lombardia route