Parco di Veio 'Cancelli e Scalarole' Granfondo and Cycle-Touring Event

A ride in the heart of Parco di Veio

Every year in mid-May, Sacrofano becomes the mountain biking capital of Rome's northern quadrant. The 'Cancelli e Scalarole' Granfondo and Cycle-Touring Event starts from Piazza Ugo Serata, in the town center, and winds entirely through the trails, dirt roads, and single tracks of Parco di Veio, a regional protected area home to forests, tuff gorges, and remnants of the ancient Etruscan city of Veii. The event's name playfully references two elements well-known to local bikers: the 'cancelli' (gates) that dot the area's pastures and the 'scalarole', the typical steep ramps that put riders' legs to the test.

History and format

The event was born in 2021 as a cycle-touring ride promoted by ASD Flaminia Bike, the local cycling club, and has quickly established itself in the Lazio off-road calendar. Over the years, it has added a competitive race to the open ride: in 2025, for example, the 42 km 'PointToPoint' granfondo with 1,400 meters of elevation gain connected Sacrofano to Morlupo as part of the PedaLatium Off Road circuit, while the cycle-touring event offered a more accessible loop. The event is also part of the 'I Sentieri più Belli del Centro Italia' and 'Cicloturismo MTB Tour' circuits, confirming the quality of the tracks.

The 2026 routes

For 2026, the format is a non-competitive cycle-touring ride with three routes to choose from, all starting and finishing in Sacrofano:

• Long Route — 38 km and approximately 800 meters of elevation gain, reserved for adults and designed for well-trained bikers;
• Medium Route — 32 km and 650 meters of elevation gain, the perfect balance between challenge and scenery;
• Short Route — 26 km and 550 meters of elevation gain, open to ages 14 and up, ideal for those who want to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace.

Mountain bikes, e-bikes, and gravel bikes are all welcome: an inclusive choice that invites all off-road enthusiasts to join the celebration. GPX tracks for the routes can be downloaded from the organization's website.

The territory: Sacrofano and the Veio countryside

The Municipality of Sacrofano, a medieval village nestled in a volcanic basin within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, is the ideal gateway to Parco di Veio. Riding here means crossing pastures, chestnut and oak forests, stream crossings, and ancient sunken roads carved into the tuff, in one of the best-preserved rural landscapes in Lazio, less than half an hour from the Grande Raccordo Anulare. It is not uncommon to encounter horses and herds grazing: the famous 'gates' in the event's title are there for exactly that purpose.

Services and atmosphere

The organization takes care of every detail: a race pack for all participants, refreshment stops along the route, medical and mechanical support, a photo service, a final meal in the square, and awards for the largest groups. The atmosphere is that of a great local sporting event: families in the square, bikers from all over Lazio and beyond, and the village of Sacrofano mobilizing to welcome participants, complete with municipal traffic regulations for the day.