Nove Colli Granfondo 2026
A focused 4-day Italy cycling getaway on the Adriatic coast, centered around the world’s oldest and most iconic granfondo.
Bike Tour Overview
DURATION
STARTING PRICE
Designed for ambitious cyclists ready to test their legs on one of the most iconic cycling events in Italy, this 4-day supported self-guided tour brings you straight to Cesenatico, the birthplace of Marco Pantani and home of the Nove Colli Granfondo, the world’s oldest and most legendary mass-participation ride.
Arrive on Friday and warm up with a scenic loop along the Adriatic coast before joining the pros and enthusiasts for the official Social Ride on Saturday, where the town comes alive with pre-race energy. Sunday is the grand finale: the Nove Colli Granfondo, a true bucket-list challenge across Emilia-Romagna’s rolling hills and historic climbs.
Perfect for those who want to kick off the cycling season in style, this Cesenatico cycling escape combines world-class riding, Italian seaside charm, and the unbeatable spirit of the Nove Colli.
What's Included in this Trip
- Guaranteed entry to the event incl. race pack
- Pick-up and transfer from the airport to the pick up location on the trip start date or the day before the trip start date
- 3 nights accommodation in select boutique hotels including breakfast
- Support with set-up of rental bike, or assembly/disassembly of own bike
- Daily on-trip van support
- All on-trip transfers
- Daily multiple route options for rides leading up to the event
- Daily CyclingHero guided ride option
- Assistance with final preparations before the start and support along the route during the event
- Exclusive access to the CyclingHero Companion App with local insights
- Bike box storage for the entire duration of the trip
* Click Book Now to view specific dates and prices
Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary
Arrival in Cesenatico & Warm-Up Ride
Welcome to Cesenatico, the Adriatic hometown of Marco Pantani and the beating heart of Italian cycling. After settling into your boutique hotel and setting up your bike, you’ll have time for a warm-up ride to stretch your legs and get a first taste of the Romagna countryside.
Choose your route: take an easy spin along the flat roads to Cesena, a charming medieval town surrounded by vineyards; follow part of the Nove Colli medio fondo route into the nearby hills for a first challenge; or head South along the Adriatic coast through Rimini and Riccione, reaching the panoramic Monte San Bartolo Regional Park overlooking the sea.
Back in Cesenatico, don’t miss a visit to the Pantani Museum, a tribute to “Il Pirata’s” legendary career, and enjoy a sunset stroll along the Lungomare waterfront promenade before dinner. The perfect start to your Nove Colli cycling getaway.
Social Ride & Race Prep in Cesenatico
Today is all about soaking up the pre-race atmosphere of the Nove Colli Granfondo. Join the Novi Colli Social Ride, a fun and relaxed warm-up led by pros such as Fabio Aru, Alessandro Valverde and Tim Wellens, mostly at a conversational pace with one brisk climb to stretch the legs.
After the ride, collect your race pack, explore the lively expo village, and mingle with cyclists from all over the world. The afternoon is for rest and recovery — enjoy a stroll along the Adriatic coast, espresso in hand, and fuel up with authentic Romagnolo cuisine before the big day.
Nove Colli Granfondo: The Challenge
The alarm rings early (grids open at 5am): it’s Nove Colli day, the world’s oldest and one of the most celebrated granfondo cycling events in Italy. Starting at dawn from Cesenatico’s historic canal harbour, thousands of riders roll out together in a surge of excitement and anticipation.
Choose your challenge: the Medio Fondo (130 km, 1,900 m elevation) or the full Granfondo route (200 km, 3,800 m elevation). Both routes wind through the stunning Emilia-Romagna hills, tackling iconic climbs like the Barbotto, Pieve di Rivoschio, and Gorolo, cheered on by passionate local crowds.
As you cross the finish line back in Cesenatico, you’ll be greeted by music, celebration, and the legendary pasta party, the perfect finale to a challenging and rewarding Italian cycling tour. Whether you’ve conquered nine climbs or six, the sense of achievement and camaraderie is unforgettable.
Arrivederci Romagna Bella
It’s time to pack up your bike and head home, or perhaps extend your stay, exploring the enchanting Romagna coast or revisiting the timeless beauty of Florence. The choice is yours!
* Click Book Now to view specific dates and prices
"The Maratona and Stelvio Bormio Gavia extension was a bucket list trip and so glad that CYCLINGHERO were there to guide and support. The CH team are Italy Cycling experts."
“The support was fantastic, and they did an amazing job of adapting to some crazy weather interruptions. Each day had a base ride with other options for more challenges. I was able to do a lot of great climbs in a relatively short time.”
“Collectively, we have traveled with Backroads, Trek, and others, but we all agreed that CyclingHero rated number one. My expectations regarding the lodging, routes, and especially the level of personalized service were all exceeded.”
“Fabulous accommodation in a great location (and a high-quality spa)… excellent organisation and support from Bob and Caterina.”
"Our cycling trip with CyclingHero was truly unforgettable. The combination of carefully planned routes, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional food and accommodations made for an incredible experience. Bob and Caterina went above and beyond, providing not only the essentials but also a personal touch that made the journey even more special. This trip to Italy will always hold a special place in my heart."
Why Travel With CyclingHero
Life is busy. Your vacation should fit your schedule and preferences. As your locally-based cycling concierge, we will customise an unforgettable trip for you in spectacular Northern Italy, where we live and ride every day.
A good night’s sleep and a proper breakfast are fundamental to an enjoyable day of riding. But a great place to stay is also about connecting with where you are, and having an authentic experience.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Cycling Adventure
Tell us about your dream tour, and we’ll send you customised recommendations. Let us show you why CyclingHero is one of the best cycling tour companies in Italy for avid cyclists.
Not ready to book yet? Contact us to receive detailed tour itineraries
Tell us where and how you’d like to ride, and we’ll send you full itineraries for our self-guided cycling tours in the Dolomites, Stelvio, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany — including routes, daily stages, accommodation details, and support services.