Milan-Busseto
The Under 23 cycling classic in the land of Verdi
About Milan-Busseto
A classic of youth cycling
The Milan-Busseto is a road race reserved for the Under 23 category, one of the longest-running and most prestigious on the Italian amateur calendar. Organized since 1949 by G.S.D. Pedale Bussetano, it is held every spring with start and finish in Busseto, in the heart of the lowlands in the Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna. Over the decades, the race has become a launchpad for many talents who later made their mark among professionals.
The route, between the lowlands and the hills
The course measures approximately 149 kilometers and alternates the long flat straights of the Po Valley with the challenging climbs of the Piacenza Apennines. After the start from the central Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, the peloton tackles the climb of Vernasca and the classic circuit with the ascent to the Castle of Vigoleno, to be repeated several times. In the finale, the race returns towards the lowlands to conclude on the traditional city circuit of Busseto, with multiple passages at the finish line, making the epilogue spectacular and selective.
Busseto, the city of Verdi
Riding the Milan-Busseto means cycling through the places that inspired Giuseppe Verdi, born in Roncole di Busseto in 1813. The village, with its Rocca Pallavicino, the Verdi Theater, and the cultivated expanses of the Parma lowlands, provides the backdrop for an event that combines sport and local identity. Race day draws enthusiasts along the roads and transforms the historic center into a meeting point for families, fans, and curious onlookers.
An international event
The Milan-Busseto attracts a large contingent of participants each year, often with around 200 riders registered well in advance, and a representation of international teams of young hopefuls. The organization by Pedale Bussetano, one of the most historic in the Emilia region, ensures a high-level technical race, included in the national youth classics.
Milan-Busseto — edition 2026
Milan-Busseto 2026 — 76th Edition
The seventy-sixth edition of the Under 23 classic was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with the start at 1:20 PM from Piazza Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto. The race, covering 149 kilometers, saw approximately 200 riders at the start, with the presence of Italian and foreign teams.
The victory went to Russian Maksim Mishankov (MG Kvis Costruzioni e Ambiente), who prevailed in a sprint from a small group of breakaway riders, covering the 149 km in 3h23'36" at an average speed of 42.225 km/h.
Programme Milan-Busseto 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- 1:20 PM — Start from Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, Busseto
- Climb of Vernasca and circuit with ascent to the Castle of Vigoleno (repeated two and a half times)
- Passage towards Scipione Ponte, Ponte Ghiara, and Fidenza, with a circuit of Cogolonchio, Costa Ferrari, Costa Guarda, and Siccomonte (repeated twice)
- Return to the lowlands towards Busseto and final city circuit with three passages at the finish line
- Finish on Viale Pallavicino, Busseto — total distance 149 km
Course covered in 3h23'36" at an average speed of 42.225 km/h.
Highlights Milan-Busseto 2026
Victory for Russian Maksim Mishankov (MG Kvis Costruzioni e Ambiente) at the end of a breakaway. On the podium, Valery Shtin (Vega Vitalcare Dynatek) was second and Matteo Spanio (Pol. Tripetetolo Seanese) third. Stefano Leali (Biesse Carrera Premac) was fourth.
Prices Milan-Busseto 2026
Practical information — Milan-Busseto
How to get there
Busseto is located in the Province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. By car: from the A1 motorway, take the Fidenza exit, then provincial roads towards Busseto. By train: Busseto station is on the Cremona-Fidenza line; alternatively, get off at Fidenza and continue by bus or taxi.
Where to watch the race
The start and finish are in the center of Busseto, in Piazza Giuseppe Verdi and the surrounding streets. Spectators can watch the numerous passages on the final city circuit, which is particularly lively.
Prices
The event takes place on roads open to the public: watching the race is free.
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Where does it take place — Milan-Busseto
Piazza Giuseppe Verdi
Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, 43011 Busseto