Grand Prix Saint Joseph
The "Milan-Sanremo" for amateurs in the village of Montecassiano
About GP Saint Joseph
A classic of youth cycling in the Marche
The Grand Prix Saint Joseph is one of the longest-running and most prestigious cycling races in the Marche region. It takes place in Montecassiano, a small municipality in the province of Macerata, part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and each year attracts the best of the youth scene for the Under 23 category. Due to its difficulty, the international profile of the starting field, and its early-season placement, it is commonly referred to as the "Milan-Sanremo for amateurs".
History and organization
The race is organized by the Velo Club Montecassiano A.S.D., one of the oldest cycling clubs in the region, which keeps a sporting tradition of over sixty years alive with this event. The race is the queen event of the regional road cycling calendar in the Marche and has always been a springboard for young riders aspiring to professionalism.
The link with the patron saint's feast
The Grand Prix is traditionally held during the days of the feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Montecassiano: sport thus intertwines with popular devotion and the village's celebrations, transforming the day into a true village festival. The streets and squares of the historic center, starting from Piazza Unità d'Italia, fill with crowds, fans, and enthusiasts who follow the riders on the circuit.
A challenging route
The course is laid out on a classic "figure-eight" circuit around Montecassiano, to be repeated several times, with a final uphill finish towards the line located in the heart of the village. It is a design that rewards fast rouleurs and the most resilient riders, capable of maintaining the pace over the numerous laps. The presence of Continental teams and foreign formations gives the race high technical value.
An event for the territory
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Grand Prix Saint Joseph is an opportunity to discover Montecassiano and the hinterland of Macerata: a medieval village gathered around its square, churches, and historic palaces, immersed in the hilly landscape of the Marche. The event, with free admission, combines the charm of cycling with that of local tradition.
GP Saint Joseph — edition 2026
The 65th edition of the Grand Prix Saint Joseph confirmed the international profile of the Marche race. The unofficial start was given at 12:45 PM from Piazza Unità d'Italia, in the historic center of Montecassiano, with the official start at 1:00 PM. The course, approximately 153-162 km, featured eight laps of a "figure-eight" circuit with a final uphill finish towards the town center.
The victory went to Swiss rider Melk Zumstein (Velo Club Mendrisio), who preceded Luca Attolini (MG K-Vis) and Christian Arrighetti (General Store) at the finish line on Viale Unità d'Italia. This was the first win for a foreign rider since 2019.
Programme GP Saint Joseph 2026
Sunday, March 15, 2026
- 12:45 PM — Unofficial start from Piazza Unità d'Italia, historic center of Montecassiano
- 1:00 PM — Official start, near the CBF Balducci facilities
- Race on a "figure-eight" circuit (8 laps of approx. 19 km each), for a total of approx. 153-162 km
- Intermediate passages and uphill finish in the center of the town
Final standings
- 1st Melk Zumstein (Velo Club Mendrisio, Switzerland)
- 2nd Luca Attolini (MG K-Vis)
- 3rd Christian Arrighetti (General Store)
- 4th Leonardo Vesco (Biesse Carrera)
- 5th Leonardo Rossi (Beltrami Tre Colli)
162 riders from 29 teams started, including nine Continental teams and one foreign team. Live streaming on the Facebook pages of Toscana Sprint and Velo Club Montecassiano.
Highlights GP Saint Joseph 2026
Prices GP Saint Joseph 2026
Practical information — GP Saint Joseph
How to get there
Montecassiano is located in the province of Macerata, in the Marche hinterland. By car, it can be reached from the SS77 or the Civitanova-Foligno highway, exiting towards Macerata and then following signs for Montecassiano. The nearest train station is Macerata, from which you can continue by bus or car.
Where and when
The race takes place in the historic center of Montecassiano, with start and finish near Piazza Unità d'Italia. It is usually held in March, coinciding with the feast of the patron saint Saint Joseph.
Traffic
Temporary road closures are expected along the race circuit during the event: it is advisable to follow the directions of the signs and staff, and to park in the areas outside the historic center.
Admission
The event is free and open to everyone along the entire route.
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Where does it take place — GP Saint Joseph
Centro storico di Montecassiano
Piazza Unità d'Italia, 62010 Montecassiano