Mergozzo International Triathlon

A middle-distance race in the heart of the VCO

The Mergozzo International Triathlon is one of Italy's most historic and beloved triathlon events. It takes place in Mergozzo, a small village in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Piedmont, overlooking the lake of the same name. This non-navigable body of water is considered one of the cleanest in Europe, offering an authentic open-water experience for the swimming leg. Organized by Dimensione Sport, the event is now a classic fixture on the national endurance calendar.

The race format: 113 km no-draft

The event follows the middle-distance (113 km no-draft) format, a demanding challenge that tests endurance and energy management:

• Swim: 1,900 meters in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mergozzo;
• Cycling: 90 km on a course winding through the Val d'Ossola;
• Run: 21 km along the lakeshore and through the town of Mergozzo.

The no-draft rule prohibits drafting on the bike, making the race even more selective and rewarding the individual performance of every athlete.

The course through the Ossola valleys

The cycling leg is the event's signature feature: the route traverses the surrounding territory, passing through the municipalities of Mergozzo, Premosello, Vogogna, and Beura Cardezza, over two 45 km laps. The roads of the Val d'Ossola, framed by mountains, offer a backdrop of rare beauty that has always been the event's hallmark. The running leg takes place right by the lake, in an intimate and scenic setting.

A tradition spanning over thirty years

Now in its most recent editions, the Mergozzo International Triathlon continues to grow, attracting over 400 participants, including both Italian and international athletes. In addition to the individual race, a relay format is available, allowing teams of three athletes to tackle the swim, bike, and run together. The event features a 2,000 euro prize pool, split equally between the men's and women's rankings, with awards also for category winners.

Why participate

Between the purity of the water, the spectacular Ossola cycling route, and the professional organization of Dimensione Sport, Mergozzo is an unmissable stop for middle-distance triathlon enthusiasts. It is an event that blends sport, nature, and territory in the heart of northern Piedmont.