The road cycling granfondo through the climbs of the Majella, starting and finishing in Campo di Giove
The Mediofondo Alto Abruzzo is the summer road cycling event held in Campo di Giove, a small mountain village in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of Abruzzo. The race takes place entirely within the Majella National Park, one of the most fascinating natural landscapes in the central Apennines, and has turned this town into a landmark for cycling enthusiasts in just a few years.
The competitive race covers a loop of approximately 80 km, with the start and finish in the center of Campo di Giove. The route alternates fast stretches with challenging climbs, passing through some of the most evocative spots in the Alto Sangro and Majella areas: the Fonte Romana zone, the villages of Pacentro and Cansano, the Valico della Forchetta pass, Pescocostanzo, and the famous Bosco di Sant'Antonio forest. The total elevation gain, exceeding 1,600 meters, tests the legs and endurance of the participants, who are rewarded with views ranging from beech forests and plateaus to the highest peaks of the Apennines.
Alongside the competitive race, the event also offers a shorter cycle-touring route of about 36 km, designed for those who want to enjoy the experience in a more relaxed way and take in the territory without the pressure of a stopwatch.
In recent years, the Mediofondo Alto Abruzzo has established itself as the venue for the CSI National Mediofondo Championship for road cycling, awarding the national category jerseys. The event, organized by Team Idrotec CFT ASD with the support of the Abruzzo Region and the Municipality of Campo di Giove, regularly attracts over a hundred amateur cyclists from various Italian regions, including Abruzzo, Lazio, Puglia, Campania, Umbria, and Marche.
Located on the slopes of the Majella, Campo di Giove is a well-known tourist and ski resort that becomes an ideal base for cycle touring and hiking in summer. The day of the Mediofondo goes beyond the competition: it is a celebration of sport and camaraderie, with the start in the village streets, refreshments, final awards ceremonies, and the warm welcome of the local community. It is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Abruzzo mountains, whether in the saddle or as a spectator.
The fifth edition of the Mediofondo Alto Abruzzo, scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Campo di Giove, hosted the CSI National Mediofondo road cycling championship. The competitive route of approximately 80 km, with over 1,600 meters of elevation gain, wound through the Majella National Park, touching Fonte Romana, Pacentro, Cansano, the Valico della Forchetta pass, Pescocostanzo, and the Bosco di Sant'Antonio.
Over a hundred participants from six Italian regions vied for the national titles. The fastest of the day was 38-year-old Davide Messina (M2 category) with a time of 2h10'12", followed by Mirko Zanni (M1) and Mirko Collina. At the end of the race, twelve new national champions were crowned, including 72-year-old Paolo Orazi in the M9 category. The event, organized by Team Idrotec CFT ASD, proved to be a great celebration of sport and camaraderie in the shadow of the Majella.
Meeting point and license verification in Campo di Giove; mass start in the morning from the town center. Competitive route of approximately 80 km and cycle-touring route of approximately 36 km within the Majella National Park. Followed by refreshments and an awards ceremony with the assignment of the CSI National Mediofondo Championship category jerseys.
Campo di Giove (AQ) can be reached by car from the Sulmona motorway exit (A25), continuing towards the Peligna Valley and the Majella. The village is also served by the Campo di Giove railway station on the Sulmona-Isernia line.
Race registration is done online via the Kronoservice and ENDU platforms, with discounted rates for early bird entries and group discounts. It is generally possible to register on-site the day before during license verification.
As this is a mountain route with significant elevation changes, adequate training and the use of appropriate gears are recommended. There are numerous accommodation facilities in Campo di Giove and neighboring villages for those arriving from outside the region.
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Campo di Giove