Granfondo Squali Trek

The Granfondo Squali Trek

The Granfondo Squali Trek is one of the most followed amateur cycling events in Italy, attracting over three thousand cyclists and tens of thousands of visitors to the area every spring. The event takes place between Romagna and Marche, starting from the Cattolica Aquarium and finishing in Gabicce Monte, in the Municipality of Gabicce Mare, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region. It is organized by Velo Club Cattolica together with Ciclo Team 2001 Gabicce Mare.

Much more than a race

The organizers like to describe the Granfondo Squali not as a simple race, but as a great three-day festival dedicated to sport, tourism, and fun for everyone. The event combines Sunday's competitive racing with a rich calendar of side activities, designed to involve families, runners, and gravel enthusiasts as well.

The routes

Sunday's granfondo offers three routes that cross some of the most picturesque landscapes of the Romagna and Marche hinterland:

• Long route: 128 kilometers with approximately 2020 meters of elevation gain, reserved for the most trained cyclists;
• Medium route: 85 kilometers with approximately 1393 meters of elevation gain, completely redesigned;
• Squali 46: 46 kilometers with approximately 700 meters of elevation gain, suitable for those who prefer a shorter distance.

All routes end with the climb to the so-called Balcony of the Adriatic in Gabicce Monte, a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea and the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park.

Side events

The weekend doesn't end with the road race. Friday opens the so-called Shark Arena with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Squali Bike Junior, a mountain bike gymkhana dedicated to young talents. Saturday is the day for the Squali Gravel, with two redesigned routes of 45 and 80 kilometers, and the Squali Molab Run, a non-competitive running race. The experience is completed by visits to the Cattolica Aquarium, trekking excursions, and food and wine events featuring the flavors of the coast.

Sport, territory, and hospitality

Ranked among the five largest granfondo events in Italy by size and number of participants, the Granfondo Squali is also an important tourist driver for Gabicce Mare and the entire Adriatic Riviera of Marche. The refreshment points along the routes and at the finish celebrate local tradition, with blue fish and Romagna piadina among the stars of the hospitality offered to cyclists.