Gran Fondo Diablo - Val Formazza

A granfondo in the heart of Val Formazza

The Gran Fondo Diablo - Val Formazza is the premier event for amateur cycling in the upper Ossola valley. It takes place in the municipality of Formazza, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, in the far north of Piedmont, and is organized by the Ossola Cycling Team. The event is named after the great champion Claudio Chiappucci—whose nickname inspired the race's title—and takes cyclists through one of the most breathtaking alpine landscapes in the Italian Alps.

The route and the Toce Waterfalls

The granfondo course covers 112 kilometers with approximately 2,100 meters of elevation gain. After a long initial phase and a rolling central loop, the final 37 kilometers are entirely uphill towards Riale, at an altitude of 1,730 meters: the finish line is located next to the spectacular Toce Waterfalls, one of the highest in Europe. The steady gradients between Foppiano, Ponte, and Canza test even the most well-trained cyclists, amidst a succession of stunning views of forests, pastures, and peaks.

Time trial and cycle-touring route

The weekend program extends beyond the granfondo. On the Saturday before the race, L'Ultimo Scatto takes place, a 13.4 km individual time trial that serves as a prelude to the main event. For those seeking a less competitive experience, a non-competitive cycle-touring route is also available, designed for enjoying the beauty of Val Formazza without the pressure of the clock.

Sport, territory, and solidarity

The Gran Fondo Diablo is part of the Coppa Piemonte circuit and often serves as the grand finale of the Piedmontese amateur season. The event collaborates with the tourism boards of Val Formazza and Piedmont, promoting initiatives related to environmental sustainability and solidarity, encouraging participants to support charitable projects. It is an event that combines a passion for cycling with the discovery of an extraordinary corner of the Ossola mountains.