Capoliveri Legend Cup
Edition 2026 Nature Mountain Sea

Capoliveri Legend Cup

The legendary mountain bike marathon on Monte Calamita, Elba Island

Capoliveri — Livorno (049) Since 2010
Dates 08 May — 10 May 2026
Location Capoliveri (049)
Prices —
Status Finished

About Legend Cup

The Capoliveri Legend Cup is one of Italy's most prestigious mountain bike marathons, held every May on the slopes of Monte Calamita on Elba Island. Featuring single tracks carved into the red earth of ancient iron mines, crystal-clear seas, and Mediterranean scrub, the race attracts world-renowned champions. Since 2025, it has served as a stage of the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup. Two routes, Marathon and Classic, cater to both professionals and amateurs in a setting considered one of the most fascinating in the international mountain biking scene.

A mountain biking legend on Elba Island

The Capoliveri Legend Cup is one of Italy's most beloved and iconic mountain bike races. It takes place every spring in Capoliveri, a refined hilltop village in the southeastern part of Elba Island, in the province of Livorno, in the heart of insular Tuscany. The stage for this challenge is Monte Calamita, a promontory of unique charm where the red earth of ancient iron mines blends with Mediterranean scrub and the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering bikers spectacular views overlooking the water.

A climb into off-road cycling history

Monte Calamita is no ordinary mountain for mountain biking: back in 1994, it hosted a historic Grundig World Cup event, where American Ned Overend triumphed over his compatriot John Tomac. Since then, these trails have become legendary, and it is no coincidence that the event bears this very name. Organized by ASD Capoliveri Bike Park, the Legend Cup has grown with each edition to become an internationally renowned event.

A World Cup stage

Starting in 2025, the Capoliveri Legend Cup became a permanent fixture on the calendar of the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup, the premier global circuit for mountain bike marathons. The race attracts the best specialists on the planet, transforming Capoliveri into an international showcase for a few days in May. The event is broadcast via live streaming, reaching enthusiasts across multiple continents.

Two routes between sea and mines

The event offers two tracks that share the same breathtaking scenery:

  • Marathon Route: approximately 73 km with over 2,500 meters of elevation gain, reserved for the most highly trained athletes and professionals.
  • Classic Route: approximately 45-48 km with about 1,600 meters of elevation gain, designed for amateurs who still want to test themselves on the famous Elba single tracks.

The course alternates technical mid-slope trails, demanding descents, and grueling climbs like the famous Muro della Leggenda (Wall of Legend), the symbol of the race. The final kilometers, spectacular and technical, put legs and nerves to the test before the finish in Capoliveri.

More than just a race

The competition is surrounded by an entire weekend of events: the HERO Race Talk with champions on the eve of the race, amateur categories, the team area, and the Elba Legend Kids event dedicated to the little ones. It is a perfect opportunity to experience Elba Island in one of its most beautiful seasons, combining sport, nature, and Tuscan hospitality.

Legend Cup — edition 2026

The 16th edition of the Capoliveri Legend Cup took place from May 8 to 10, 2026, with the main race on Saturday, May 9. As the second stage of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup, it brought the world's best specialists to Monte Calamita, on a course made fast with exceptional grip due to the previous days' rain.

The 16th edition of the Capoliveri Legend Cup took place from May 8 to 10, 2026, on Elba Island, confirming its status as the second stage of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup. The main race was held on Saturday, May 9, with the start at 8:30 AM from Viale Italia in Capoliveri.

The single tracks of Monte Calamita, carved into the red earth of the ancient iron mines, offered optimal grip conditions thanks to the rain in the preceding days, which compacted the terrain. Among the most anticipated challenges, the return of the famous Muro della Leggenda and the technical mid-slope trails of the final five kilometers stood out.

Programme Legend Cup 2026

Friday, May 8

  • 4:00 PM — HERO Race Talk: public meeting with the great protagonists of the World Cup.

Saturday, May 9 — Race

  • 8:30 AM — Start of the Men's Elite from Viale Italia.
  • Following — Start of Women's Elite, Master, and amateur categories.
  • 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM (CEST) — Live streaming on UCI channels and heroucimarathonworldcup.com.
  • Approx. 11:45 AM — Expected arrival of the first Men's Elite.
  • Approx. 12:30 PM — Expected arrival of Women's Elite and Master.
  • 1:00 PM — Award ceremony.

Routes

  • Marathon: 73 km with approx. 2,600 meters of elevation gain, reserved for Elite.
  • Classic: 45 km with approx. 1,600 meters of elevation gain, for amateurs.

The program also includes the Elba Legend Kids category dedicated to the youngest riders and the team area.

Highlights Legend Cup 2026

Second stage of the 2026 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup, return of the Muro della Leggenda, fast course with exceptional grip, and global live streaming from Monte Calamita.

Prices Legend Cup 2026

Paid registration with differentiated fees based on route (Marathon and Classic) and category. Details and procedures on the official website legendcup.it/iscrizione/. Prize money provided for winners.

Practical information — Legend Cup

How to get there

Capoliveri is located on Elba Island. It can be reached by ferry from Piombino (Piombino-Portoferraio line, about an hour's crossing) and then by car to Capoliveri, on the southeastern side of the island. Piombino is connected by train and motorway (Venturina/Piombino exit).

Registration and information

Registrations are handled online via the official website legendcup.it. Various categories and fees are available depending on the chosen route. Start and finish are located on Viale Italia, in Capoliveri.

Tips

During the event, demand for ferries and accommodation is very high: book well in advance. Numerous facilities on the island offer packages dedicated to participants.

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Where does it take place — Legend Cup

Monte Calamita

Piazza del Cavatore 1, 57031 Capoliveri

Contact Legend Cup

Tel
+39 392 8469542

Legend Cup in brief

Nature Mountain Sea Sport Trail Cycling Outdoor International Livorno

History of Legend Cup