Monte Terminillo Cycling - Città di Leonessa

A granfondo in the heart of the Reatine Apennines

The Monte Terminillo Cycling - Città di Leonessa is one of the most fascinating road cycling granfondos in the Lazio region, hosted by the picturesque village of Leonessa, in the province of Rieti. Launched in 2025, the event immediately captured the hearts of amateur cyclists thanks to a route that combines the technical challenge of major Apennine climbs with the stunning beauty of the Terminillo range, the iconic mountain of the Lazio region, also known as the "Mountain of Rome".

The routes: Gran Fondo, Medio Fondo, and cycle-touring

The start is set in Piazza VII Aprile, in the historic center of Leonessa. From here, participants can choose between four tracks:

• Gran Fondo: 141 km with 3,100 meters of elevation gain, the ultimate route for the most trained riders.
• Medio Fondo: 83 km with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, challenging but more accessible.
• Cycle-touring: available in classic and "small" versions, designed for those who want to enjoy the event without the pressure of the clock.

From the very first kilometers, riders face the Terminillo climb from the north side along the SP10 Terminellese road: after a gentle start with gradients around 3.2%, the road steepens to an average of 7.7% over the final 9.5 km, leading to the Sella di Leonessa, a mountain pass at 1,901 meters reached around the 18.5 km mark. The long route then continues through Poggio Bustone, the Valico del Fuscello (1,110 m), and Selva Rotonda, passing through numerous municipalities in the Rieti province such as Rieti, Cantalice, Rivodutri, Morro Reatino, Posta, and Cittareale.

An event that unites sport and territory

The Monte Terminillo Cycling is a stage of the Pedalatium circuit and is valid for the ACSI Lazio regional championships, as well as being part of the Challenger Cycling Tour of the Apennines. Four refreshment points are provided along the route, while a traditional pasta party awaits participants at the finish line. Showers, parking, and the race village are set up at the Leonessa sports field.

Beyond the race, the event is an opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of Lazio: Leonessa is an Angevin-founded village nestled in the Montagna dei Fiori Regional Natural Park, famous for its potato festival and a historic center rich in churches and palaces. Cycling through these mountain landscapes, with views stretching from the Terminillo to the Rieti valleys, is an experience that goes beyond simple sports competition.

Why participate

• One of the most iconic climbs in central Italy, the Sella di Leonessa at 1,901 meters.
• Routes for every level, from competitive athletes to cycle-tourists.
• Full support, refreshment stations, and a final pasta party.
• A weekend in the greenery of the Reatine Apennines, blending sport and local traditions.