Trofeo Papà Cervi
The historic May 1st cycling race in Praticello di Gattatico
About Trofeo Papà Cervi
A cycling classic in the Bassa reggiana
The Trofeo Papà Cervi is one of the most cherished road cycling races in Emilia-Romagna. It is traditionally held on May 1st in Praticello di Gattatico, in the municipality of Gattatico, Province of Reggio Emilia. Organized by A.S.D. Ciclistica Gattatico, the race is reserved for top-level amateur categories, Elite and Under 23, and over the decades it has launched or established many riders who later became professionals.
Sport and remembrance: the link with the Cervi brothers
The Trophy is not just a race; it is a tribute to the history of this land. It is named after Alcide Cervi (1875-1970), nicknamed "Papà Cervi", the father of the seven Cervi brothers, partisans executed by the fascist regime on December 28, 1943. The race circuit passes through the town of Gattatico and skirts the Casa Museo Cervi (Cervi Family Museum), the Campi Rossi farmstead transformed into a museum of the Resistance and the peasant movement. Cycling along these roads means traversing one of the symbolic places of Italian anti-fascism.
A top-tier palmarès
Founded in 1971, the race has held nearly fifty editions and boasts a prestigious list of winners. Among the names that have triumphed here is Giacomo Nizzolo, who later became a two-time Italian champion and European road champion, describing his 2009 Under 23 victory as one of the best races he won in his career. The 49th edition in 2019 was won by Filippo Tagliani.
The return after seven years
After the 2019 edition, the race took a break: the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the race was not held for several years. On May 1st, 2026, the Trofeo Papà Cervi finally returned to the calendar with its 50th edition, welcomed with great participation from teams and the public in the Reggio Emilia countryside.
The course
The race takes place on a flat circuit to be repeated several times around Praticello and the surrounding countryside, for a total of approximately 153 kilometers. The start and finish are in the town of Praticello di Gattatico, with crowds lining the roads of the Bassa reggiana, a land of cycling and good food.
Trofeo Papà Cervi — edition 2026
After the 2019 edition and a long break that began with the cancellation of the 2020 race due to the pandemic, the Trofeo Papà Cervi returned to the calendar on May 1st, 2026, with its 50th edition, in Praticello di Gattatico (Reggio Emilia).
The race, reserved for Elite and Under 23 amateur categories, took place on a flat circuit repeated several times around the town for a total of 153 kilometers, with the start in the early afternoon from Via Valle. Approximately 180 riders were at the start.
The race was decided by a six-man breakaway that ended in a sprint at the finish line. Antonio Bonaldo (Padovani POLO Cherry Bank) won in 3h23'18" at an average speed of over 45 km/h, ahead of Marco Fermanelli (Vega Vitalcare Dynatek) and Martin Gris (Trevigiani Energiapura Marchiol).
Programme Trofeo Papà Cervi 2026
May 1st, 2026 — Praticello di Gattatico
- Gathering and start in the early afternoon (unofficial start around 1:30 PM) from Via Valle, Praticello di Gattatico.
- Road race for Elite and Under 23: a flat circuit of approximately 9.9 km to be repeated 16 times, for a total of 153 km. The course passes through the town of Gattatico and skirts the Cervi Family Museum.
- Finish in Praticello di Gattatico.
Accompanying the day's events, there were collateral initiatives, including a photographic exhibition with images from all editions of the race.
Highlights Trofeo Papà Cervi 2026
Victory for Antonio Bonaldo (Padovani POLO Cherry Bank) after a six-rider breakaway decided by a sprint. Marco Fermanelli and Martin Gris were on the podium. The event marked the return of the race after a seven-year absence, celebrating its 50th edition.
Prices Trofeo Papà Cervi 2026
Practical information — Trofeo Papà Cervi
How to get there
Praticello is a hamlet of Gattatico (RE), in the Bassa reggiana area, well connected to the Via Emilia. By car, it can be reached from the Terre di Canossa-Campegine (A1) or Reggio Emilia motorway exits. The nearest train station is Reggio Emilia, from where you continue by car to the northwest.
When
The race is traditionally held on May 1st, starting in the early afternoon.
Costs
Watching the race along the route is free. Nearby, it is worth combining with a visit to the Casa Museo Cervi (Via Fratelli Cervi 9, Gattatico).
Organization
The event is managed by A.S.D. Ciclistica Gattatico.
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Where does it take place — Trofeo Papà Cervi
Praticello di Gattatico
Via Valle, 42043 Gattatico