Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy
Cross-country mountain biking in the heart of the Apulian canyons
About Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy
Ginosa: The Capital of Mountain Biking
The Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy has become one of the most anticipated events on the national cross-country mountain bike (XCO) calendar. Every spring, the town of Ginosa, located on the western edge of the Taranto province near the Basilicata border, welcomes hundreds of athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts for an action-packed weekend of racing. Organized by Ciclo Team Laerte with the support of the Municipality of Ginosa and the Puglia Region, the event is officially recognized by the Italian Cycling Federation and attracts over a thousand participants and spectators each year.
The Green Heart of the Canyons
The competition takes place at the Allegra Fattoria delle Murge, an area immersed in the unique landscape of the 'gravine'—deep karst canyons that define this part of the Ionian arc in Taranto. The trails, winding through Mediterranean scrub, rocky ridges, and technical paths, test the skills and endurance of the athletes while offering a spectacular natural backdrop that ties sport to the land. It serves as a showcase for sports tourism, highlighting the environment of the Ionian Puglia and its scenic heritage.
Three Competitions in One Weekend
The strength of the Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy lies in its ability to host three major national cycling events in a single weekend:
- XCO Youth Italian Cup — reserved for regional youth teams, featuring categories for beginners, students, and women;
- Borbonica Cup — a traveling circuit spanning Puglia, Campania, Sicily, and Basilicata, with Ginosa often hosting the opening stage;
- Italian Team Relay Championship — the national relay race where regional committees from the Italian Cycling Federation compete against one another.
A Celebration for the Community
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy is a promotional opportunity for the entire Ginosa community and the Puglia region. During the race days, the town fills with families, technicians, and young athletes, providing a significant boost to local hospitality and dining. The event showcases the constant growth of the Apulian cycling movement and its ability to compete with the most prestigious regions in Italy, confirming Ginosa as a reference point for mountain biking in Southern Italy.
Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy — edition 2026
7th Edition: Ginosa at the Center of National XCO
The seventh edition of the Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy brought one of the most prestigious events on the national mountain bike calendar to Ginosa on May 2-3, 2026. Presented on April 28 at the Ginosa Community Library in the presence of Mayor Vito Parisi and leaders of the Italian Cycling Federation, the event confirmed its ability to attract over a thousand people, including athletes and their support teams.
A High-Speed Weekend
Saturday, May 2, saw the junior, open, and master categories kick off the races, followed by the G6 and ID youth events and, in the afternoon, the Italian Team Relay Championship, the national relay race for regional committees. Sunday, May 3, was dedicated to the XCO Youth Italian Cup with beginner, student, and women's categories. Lombardy dominated the relay, while Puglia stood out with Enrico Paolo Ciccarese's victory in the under-23 category, finishing sixth in the overall youth standings.
Programme Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Borbonica Cup and Team Relay
- 09:00 — Juniors, Open, and Masters
- 10:35 — G6 Category
- 11:05 — ID Category
- 11:35 — First awards ceremony
- 15:00 — Italian Team Relay Championship
- 16:30 — Final awards ceremony
Sunday, May 3, 2026 — XCO Youth Italian Cup
- 09:00 — Beginners 1st year
- 10:00 — Beginners 2nd year
- 11:00 — Women's categories
- 12:00 — Students 1st year
- 13:30 — Students 2nd year
- 15:30 — Final awards ceremony
Highlights Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy 2026
- Three national FCI competitions in a single weekend: XCO Youth Italian Cup, Borbonica Cup, and Italian Team Relay Championship
- Over a thousand participants and spectators from all over Italy
- Technical trails in the canyon landscape at Allegra Fattoria delle Murge
- Under-23 victory for Apulian rider Enrico Paolo Ciccarese
Prices Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy 2026
Practical information — Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy
Getting There
Ginosa is located at the western end of the Province of Taranto. By car, it can be reached via the SS106 Jonica (Ginosa-Marina exit) or the SS7 Appia. The Ginosa train station is on the Taranto-Metaponto line. The nearest airports are Bari-Palese and Brindisi. The races take place at the Allegra Fattoria delle Murge, in the open countryside near the town center.
Admission and Services
Public access to the race area is free. Participation in the competitions is reserved for FCI-licensed athletes registered through their respective clubs and regional committees. Parking and refreshment areas are generally available on-site. Comfortable footwear suitable for dirt paths is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Terra delle Gravine XCO Trophy
Allegra Fattoria delle Murge