Granfondo Nove Colli
The queen of granfondos, from Cesenatico through the hills of Cesena
About Nove Colli
Italy's most beloved granfondo
The Granfondo Nove Colli is much more than a cycling race: it's a ritual that every spring transforms Cesenatico, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, into the capital of amateur cycle tourism. First organized in 1971 by the G.C. Fausto Coppi, it has grown to become one of the most iconic granfondos in Europe, with a maximum limit of 10,000 participants and cyclists from over forty nations across all continents.
The nine hills of Cesena
The event's name says it all: it's the nine hills of the Cesena Apennines that participants climb along the route, crossing the splendid valleys of the Savio and Rubicone rivers. The most feared and loved is the Barbotto, the symbolic climb of the event with its challenging ramps, a true test for every leg. The route alternates the flat Adriatic coast with the gentle but insidious hills of the Romagna hinterland, offering views ranging from the sea to Apennine villages.
A celebration for all of Cesenatico
The dawn start from the picturesque Leonardesco Canal Port, designed according to Leonardo da Vinci's studies, is one of the most exciting moments in the Italian sports calendar. Thousands of cyclists line up at the start gates as the town awakens to welcome them. Throughout the weekend, the city buzzes with the atmosphere of the Nove Colli Village in Piazza Andrea Costa, with stands, talks, and shows.
More than a race
The Nove Colli is also about solidarity and inclusion: alongside the competitive race, there are initiatives like the Mini Nove Colli for children and festive events open to everyone. At the finish line, the unmissable pasta party and the finisher medal celebrate the achievement of those who have completed the challenge. An event that combines sport, Romagna hospitality, and a love for cycling, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
Nove Colli — edition 2026
The 55th Granfondo Nove Colli brought thousands of cyclists to Cesenatico for the classic late May event. The big news for the 2026 edition was the replacement of the Gorolo hill with the new climb of Sogliano and the subsequent descent of the Cioca, four challenging kilometers with sections at 10%. The dawn start from the Canal Port and the festive atmosphere throughout the city were confirmed.
The event once again ranked among the most prestigious granfondos in Europe, part of the Prestigio del Cicloturismo circuit, attracting athletes from over forty nations in the province of Forlì-Cesena.
Programme Nove Colli 2026
Friday, May 22 & Saturday, May 23 — Nove Colli Village
- 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM — Nove Colli Village opening in Piazza Andrea Costa: sponsor stands, stage shows, and talks
- 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM — Race package collection at Palazzo del Turismo, Viale Roma 112
Sunday, May 24 — Race Day
- 5:00 AM — Opening of the start gates at the Canal Port / seafront
- 6:00 AM — Start of the red grid, followed by all other grids in real-time
- At the finish line — Pasta party for everyone, finisher medal, refreshments, and relaxation areas
The three 2026 routes:
- Granfondo (Long) — approx. 200 km and 3,814 m of elevation gain, with the climbs of Barbotto, Sogliano, and the descent of Cioca
- Mediofondo (Medium) — 137 km and 1,872 m of elevation gain; the junction between the two routes is at km 95, after the Barbotto climb
- Gravel — 107 km and 1,798 m of elevation gain, dedicated to the gravel discipline
Alongside the main races, the Mini Nove Colli Gobik, an ecological ride for children.
Highlights Nove Colli 2026
The new climb of Sogliano and the descent of Cioca replacing Gorolo; the legendary climb of Barbotto; the dawn start from the Leonardesco Canal Port; the final pasta party and the finisher medal.
Prices Nove Colli 2026
Practical information — Nove Colli
How to get there
Cesenatico is easily accessible: by car via the A14 motorway (Cesena or Valle del Rubicone exits), by train with the Cesenatico railway station on the Adriatic line, or by plane from Rimini, Bologna, and Forlì airports.
Start and package collection
The start is from the Leonardesco Canal Port / Cesenatico seafront, at dawn. Race package collection and the Nove Colli Village take place in the preceding days in the town center, at Piazza Andrea Costa and the Palazzo del Turismo.
Tips
The town offers numerous hotels with packages dedicated to participants. It is advisable to book well in advance due to the huge turnout. A valid ID, confirmation letter, approved helmet, and a roadworthy bicycle are mandatory.
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Where does it take place — Nove Colli
Porto Canale di Cesenatico
Porto Canale Leonardesco, 47042 Cesenatico