Granfondo Squali Trek
The Riviera's granfondo between Cattolica and Gabicce Mare
About Granfondo Squali
The symbolic granfondo of the Romagna Riviera
The Granfondo Squali Trek is one of the most followed amateur cycling events in Italy. It takes place every May between Cattolica and Gabicce Mare, straddling Emilia-Romagna (Province of Rimini) and Marche, and attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over Europe. Organized by Velo Club Cattolica together with Ciclo Team 2001 Gabicce Mare and with the support of the Municipality of Cattolica, it is now a fixed event on the national granfondo calendar.
A spectacular start from the Aquarium
The visual impact is one of the event's strengths: the start is given from Corso Italia, in front of the famous Cattolica Aquarium, one of the largest on the Adriatic coast, dedicated to the sharks that give the event its name. From there, the colorful stream of cyclists winds its way into the hilly hinterland, through the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park and the villages of Valconca, before climbing to the finish line in Gabicce Monte, overlooking the sea.
Routes for every leg
The format is designed to welcome everyone, from competitive racers to cycle tourists:
- Granfondo — approximately 128 km and over 2,000 meters of elevation gain, for the fittest;
- Mediofondo — approximately 85 km with an elevation gain of around 1,400 meters, between Mondaino and the San Bartolo Park;
- Squali 46 — 46 km suitable for road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, perfect for beginners and families.
Completing the weekend are the off-road events of the Squali Gravel on Saturday and, in recent editions, collateral initiatives such as running races along the Conca river.
Much more than a race
The Granfondo Squali is above all a great widespread celebration: the event village, the Shark Arena, hosts dozens of exhibitors from the cycling world, while the area offers visits to the Aquarium, excursions, and food and wine events. With thousands of participants and tens of thousands of tourist presences, the event has become a driving force for the Romagna Riviera outside the classic summer season, capable of uniting sporting passion and territory promotion between Cattolica, Gabicce Mare, and the Province of Rimini.
Granfondo Squali — edition 2026
The 11th edition of the Granfondo Squali confirmed itself as one of the major events in amateur cycling in Italy, following the record numbers of the previous year (over 3,000 participants and around 10,000 tourist presences). Three days of events between Cattolica and Gabicce Mare, with the classic start in front of the Cattolica Aquarium and the uphill finish in Gabicce Monte.
The formula with three road routes (128 km, 85 km, and the Squali 46) was confirmed, alongside the off-road events of the Squali Gravel on Saturday and the weekend's collateral initiatives.
Programme Granfondo Squali 2026
Friday, May 15
- 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM — Shark Arena village opens
- 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM — Registration and race pack collection
Saturday, May 16
- 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM — Shark Arena village open
- 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM — Registration and race pack collection
- Squali Gravel: off-road events with Toro Tour (approx. 80 km, 1,650 m elevation gain) and Verdesca Tour (approx. 45 km, 700 m elevation gain) routes
Sunday, May 17
- 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM — Last-minute registrations (Squali 46 only)
- 7:30 AM — Granfondo start from Corso Italia, in front of the Cattolica Aquarium
- Three routes: Granfondo (approx. 128 km, over 2,000 m elevation gain), Mediofondo (approx. 85 km, approx. 1,400 m), Squali 46 (46 km, also suitable for mountain bikes and e-bikes)
- Main refreshment stop in Gabicce Monte (9:45 AM - 1:45 PM) and uphill finish
Free shuttle train for families departing at 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 9:30 AM. Showers available at the Olympia Wellness gym.
Highlights Granfondo Squali 2026
Prices Granfondo Squali 2026
Practical information — Granfondo Squali
How to get there
Cattolica is served by the Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce motorway exit on the A14. By train, Cattolica-Gabicce station is on the Adriatic line. The nearest airport is Federico Fellini Airport in Rimini.
Registration
Registration is done online through the official website granfondosquali.it. Fees start from around 45-50 euros in the early stages and go up to around 65 euros closer to the event. On Sundays, it is only possible to register for the Squali 46.
Services
A race pack, refreshments along the routes, a large refreshment point in Gabicce Monte, showers, free parking for participants, and a free shuttle train for families are provided.
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Where does it take place — Granfondo Squali
Acquario di Cattolica
Corso Italia, 47841 Cattolica