Granfondo dei Sibillini - The Cycling Tour

Cycling through the Sibillini Mountains

The Granfondo dei Sibillini - La Cicloturistica is one of the most beloved cycling events in the Marche hinterland. Starting and finishing in Pievebovigliana, a hamlet of the Valfornace Municipality (Province of Macerata), the event brings hundreds of enthusiasts each year to discover the roads of the Sibillini Mountains National Park on their bikes. Organized by Nuova Sibillini ASD, the granfondo is a regular stage of the Granfondo Marche circuit and attracts amateur cyclists from all over Italy and abroad, with documented participation from Belgium and the Netherlands.

The "No Rush" Formula

What makes this cycling tour special is its philosophy: cycle without rushing, enjoying the scenery, but with the option to test yourself on the timed sections during climbs. Two of the three routes feature time trial sections on the most challenging ascents, such as the climb to Valico delle Arette and the Montegallo-Passo Galluccio stretch: those who wish can challenge the clock and aim for category rankings, while others can simply savor the beauty of the places. All types of bicycles are allowed, including e-bikes (though excluded from timed sections).

The Three Routes

• Short Route — 65 km, approximately 1,150 m of elevation gain, covers Visso, Ussita, Valico delle Arette, Macereto, and Cupi.
• Medium Route — 92 km, approximately 1,539 m of elevation gain, passing through Serravalle, Collecurti, and Rasenna.
• Long Route — 156 km, approximately 2,934 m of elevation gain, the epic adventure reaching Amandola, Montefortino, the famous Forca di Presta (1,536 m), and the plateau of Castelluccio di Norcia.

Sport and Local Flavors

The Granfondo dei Sibillini is not just about cycling: gourmet refreshment points with local specialties, cured meats, and traditional desserts are set up along the routes. The most anticipated stop is the Macereto barbecue, a true convivial institution of the event, at the foot of the evocative Sanctuary of Macereto. Upon returning to Pievebovigliana, participants will find a festive atmosphere with a pasta party and awards ceremony in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

A Reborn Territory

The Municipality of Valfornace, established on January 1, 2017, from the merger of Pievebovigliana and Fiordimonte, is a small village in the Province of Macerata severely affected by the 2016 earthquake. The Granfondo dei Sibillini represents much more than a race for this territory: it is a sign of rebirth, a way to bring people, energy, and life back to the mountains of the Marche region.