Countdown to the “La Granfondo del Montefeltro,” the cycling race through nature, history, and legend: the charm of the Umbria-Marche route.
The next tourist-sporting event involving the Umbria-Marche region, scheduled for October 11 and 12, promises to be exciting not only for athletes but also for lovers of nature, history, traditions, and cycling. The guest of honor will be the beloved Olympic champion Alessandra Sensini. The route winds through breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and ancient legends, offering a unique journey through the wonders of two fascinating Italian regions.
Gubbio, October 11 and 12, 2025 Organized and promoted by the GAU Consortium: Gubbio Alta Umbria, it is divided into two key moments: the race on Sunday, October 12, organized by ASD Velo Club Gubbio, in collaboration with other cycling associations in the area, and Saturday, October 11, with numerous initiatives for cyclists, companions, families, and children.
The event is in its first edition, with Park Hotel ai Cappuccini as its main sponsor and the honor of hosting Olympic champion Alessandra Sensini, who has participated in six Olympic Games, winning one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. On this occasion, the windsurfing champion will not be participating in the competitive race but will be exploring Gubbio and the surrounding area on her bicycle.
A route that is not only a competition but also an authentic journey through culture, nature, and myth.
Carmela Colaiacovo, CEO of Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, comments: “We have decided to offer a unique opportunity that combines a high-quality sporting experience with an immersion in the local culture and food and wine identity. In addition to the classic truffle tasting, this year’s program is enriched with initiatives for all ages and levels of athleticism, for an experience suitable for everyone.”
“Cycling tourism is a rapidly growing sector,” explained Pierini, “and represents a real opportunity for areas like ours. In Upper Umbria, we are working to create a structured cycling tourism network, with marked routes, bike-friendly services, and tour operators ready to welcome cyclists of all levels: from amateurs to gravel riders, from mountain bikers to more experienced athletes. It is a slow, sustainable form of tourism that respects the environment and has a positive impact on the local economy.”
The race route is 138 km long with 2,095 meters of elevation gain, stretching across the Umbrian-Marche Apennines and featuring short but challenging climbs such as the Nogna, Valico Pantani, Serravalle di Carda, and reaches Acqualagna in the Marche region, then the Moria Pass, already known for hosting the Giro d’Italia, and in 2025 also the Giro d’Italia Women, the Valico di Scheggia, and the Cima del Bottaccione.
Alternatively, the medium route is 80 km long with 1,440 meters of elevation gain, passing through Semonte, Mocaiana, and Pietralunga, before returning to Gubbio via Pianello, Cantiano, and Scheggia.
The departure point for hundreds of participants is scheduled to be Gubbio, a historic medieval town, before continuing on to Semonte, famous for its wineries where Dolcetto wine has been produced since the days of Piedmontese rule. From here, the route continues towards Mocaiana, the ancient Makajanus, linked to the legend of the two-faced god Janus and Pit, the god of metal and strength, who is said to have reigned between the earth and Olympus.
The route continues, offering picturesque views such as that of Castello di Carbonana, dating back to the end of the 12th century, and tackling the Nogna climb that leads to Pietralunga, known for its truffles and historical monuments such as the Pieve di Santa Maria (8th-10th century) and the pentagonal Rocca Longobarda.
Crossing the Pantani Pass, where there is a plaque commemorating the great champion of the 1990s, participants will pass through Serravalle di Carda, a medieval village, before tackling a flat stretch of about 30 km to Acqualagna, home of the Marche truffle. Here, in the central Piazza Enrico Mattei, dedicated to the illustrious fellow citizen born in 1906, there will be time for refreshments.
The second part of the route resumes through Smirra, an ancient Byzantine settlement famous for its “lucky” fountain. It then continues towards Cagli, mentioned even in the Aeneid, a crossroads of legendary climbs such as Monte Petrano, Catria, and Nerone, already protagonists of the Giro d’Italia.
Through the picturesque gorges, you reach Pianello, then continue on to the Moria Pass, already known for hosting the Giro d’Italia Femminile in 2025, and arrive in Cantiano, a village known for its sour cherries, much appreciated by the Savoy family. From here, you tackle the last pass of Scheggia, finally returning to Gubbio via the famous Madonna della Cima pass, enjoying the descent through the spectacular Gole del Bottaccione, where you can still see traces of Iridium, the meteorite that, according to various scientific studies, caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The race is accompanied by interesting initiatives throughout the weekend. Here is the official program:
Saturday, October 11, from 10:30 a.m.
“Pedala, mangia e bevi” (Cycle, eat, and drink): a tour of the historic center with a traveling aperitif for adults and children. E-bikes can be rented on site for those who are less fit.
“Gimkana al villaggio” (Gymkhana in the village) at Piazzale Frondizi: activities for children organized by Ikuvium Bike Adventure, where specialized instructors will guide the little ones in the correct use of bicycles through a course with fun obstacles. From 4:00 p.m., a CHILDREN’S AREA will be open with entertainment and various activities.
BICI e PAROLE (Bikes and Words): a talk show on the world of cycling with various protagonists.
At the end of the day, a sparkling aperitif offered by the GAU Consortium.
Sunday October 12 from 10 a.m.
At 10 a.m. sharp, the tour of Gubbio departs on the Gubbio Express train to immerse yourself in the history of Gubbio. The free ride is reserved for companions and families of the athletes competing.
The cable car to Colle Eletto is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to enjoy the view of the city from above.
At 11:00 a.m., a guided tour of Gubbio will depart, a walk with Daniele l’Eugubino to learn about the beauty and history of the city.
From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., The Extinction Exhibition tells the story of life on earth before and after the disappearance of the dinosaurs, focusing on the theme of mass extinctions.
For further information: Registration and race route with altimetry www.granfondogubbio.it
Where to stay and eat https://www.gubbioaltaumbria.it/
Press office Diana Giorgio +393356662501 dianagiorgio@dianagiorgio.it
