The race that kicks off the Italian junior cycling season in Cerbaia di Lamporecchio
As the roads of Tuscany begin to stir from their winter slumber, Cerbaia di Lamporecchio hosts the first major event of Italian youth cycling. The Gran Premio Giuliano Baronti is the race that, every first Sunday of March, officially opens the road cycling season for the junior category (athletes aged 17 and 18). For many young riders, this is their true debut of the year: winning here often makes a rider a favorite for the prestigious Oscar TuttoBici award.
The race covers a demanding 123-kilometer course, starting and finishing on Via Amendola in Cerbaia. The route consists of eight laps of a 12-kilometer circuit winding through the territories of Lamporecchio and Larciano, with the most selective sections found around Via Milloni, Via Stradella, and Via Larciano. The climb toward Montevettolini along Via delle Pietraie adds extra difficulty, with steep gradients that often prove decisive for the outcome of the race.
The event was established to honor the memory of Giuliano Baronti and is organized by the Team Franco Ballerini, thanks to the dedication of Alessio and Stefano Baronti. The name of Franco Ballerini, a cycling champion hailing from this very area of the Pistoia province, further anchors the race to the local territory and its rich cycling heritage. In the heart of Tuscany, nestled between the Montalbano hills and the villages of the Valdinievole, the Gran Premio Baronti has quickly become a classic event anticipated by teams and fans alike.
Each edition attracts over a hundred riders, often the cream of the national junior category, with national team coaches and scouts in attendance. The event is closely followed by specialized media, andโa rarity for a youth raceโthe final hour is broadcast on Rai Sport. For spectators, it is a unique opportunity to see the champions of tomorrow up close on the roads of Tuscany.
Beyond the competition, the day involves the entire community of Lamporecchio: the team presentations, the start on Via Amendola, and the anticipation of the final sprint turn Cerbaia into a small stage for top-tier cycling. It is a free event for spectators, best enjoyed from the roadside to soak up the authentic atmosphere of the local races that have always been part of the Tuscan sporting identity.
The 2026 edition of the Gran Premio Giuliano Baronti, the first race of the junior season, was held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with start and finish on Via Amendola in Cerbaia di Lamporecchio. 138 riders were at the start, representing the best young talents in Italian cycling. The 123 km race, completed in 2h58'15" at an average speed of 41.403 km/h, was decided on the 20% gradient climb of Via delle Pietraie. The winner was Davide Brandon Fedrizzi (Borgo Molino Vigna Fiorita), who also took the King of the Mountains title and launched his winning attack 100 meters from the finish line. The final hour of the race was broadcast on Rai Sport.
Sprint victory for Davide Brandon Fedrizzi, who also secured the King of the Mountains title on the 20% climb of Via delle Pietraie. The national junior team coach, Dino Salvoldi, was present as a guest. 138 registered riders and 68 finishers.
Cerbaia is a village in the municipality of Lamporecchio (PT), in Tuscany. By car, it can be reached via the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway (exits at Montecatini Terme or Pistoia), continuing toward the Valdinievole and Montalbano areas. The most convenient train station is Montecatini Terme, from where you can continue by car or local transport.
The race traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of March. Team presentations are held in the morning, while the start is scheduled for the early afternoon (around 2:00 PM) on Via Amendola in Cerbaia.
The event is free for the public. The best spots to watch are the finish line on Via Amendola and the climbing sections of the circuit between Lamporecchio and Larciano. Dress in layers, as March in the hills can still be quite chilly.
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Cerbaia di Lamporecchio
Via Amendola, Cerbaia, 51035 Lamporecchio