Terra del Gattopardo MTB Rally

A regional rally between two wheels and history

The Terra del Gattopardo MTB Rally is a regional mountain bike gathering held annually in Palma di Montechiaro, in the province of Agrigento, Sicily. Reaching its twelfth edition in 2026, the event attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the island, turning the Agrigento town into the Sicilian capital of off-road cycling for a Sunday in September.

The route

The track spans approximately 32 kilometers with a total elevation gain of about 650 meters, alternating between coastal stretches and rolling hills. The start is set in Piazza Santa Rosalia, in the historic center, from where cyclists reach Marina di Palma, ride alongside the Chiaramonte Castle, and cross the Facciomare district, home to the Fontana della Spina, a circular Roman-era basin that is still functional today. The route continues toward the beaches of Malerba and reaches Rocca Tenna, a curious mushroom-shaped rock formation that once provided shelter to local farmers and shepherds.

Sport and tourism combined

The event has a strong family focus: while cyclists tackle the route, their families can join a guided tour of the monuments of Palma di Montechiaro, a city linked to the Tomasi di Lampedusa family and the inspiration for the famous novel The Leopard. The cultural walk includes the Benedictine Monastery, the Ducal Palace, the Mother Church, and the Collegio Church, which houses a copy of the Shroud of Turin. The day concludes with a refreshment break featuring local products.

Daily program

• Meeting point and breakfast at 7:30 AM in Piazza Santa Rosalia
• Rally start at 9:00 AM
• Guided tour of monuments for non-cyclists
• Arrival and final refreshments around noon

An event rooted in the territory

Organized by the local sports association with the patronage of the Municipality of Palma di Montechiaro, the rally is now a highly anticipated fixture in the Sicilian cycling calendar. The formula, which combines sports activity, promotion of the Agrigento coastal landscape, and rediscovery of the city's historical heritage, makes it an experience accessible to both athletes and families, centered on conviviality and the discovery of the Land of the Leopard.