Valle dei Margi Mediofondo — City of Grammichele

A cycling challenge in the heart of the Calatino

The Valle dei Margi Mediofondo — City of Grammichele is a road cycling race held in the town of Grammichele, in the province of Catania, in the heart of south-eastern Sicily. Organized by ASD Probike Multicar Gruppo Amarù in collaboration with ASD Cocuzza Inox Grammichele, the event has quickly become a staple of the island's amateur calendar, included in the prestigious Coppa Sicilia circuit.

Two routes through the hills of the Valle dei Margi

The race offers two tracks designed to satisfy both long-distance specialists and amateurs looking for a shorter but still selective test:

• Granfondo: approximately 119 km with an elevation gain of over 1,850 meters;
• Mediofondo: approximately 85 km with about 1,367 meters of elevation gain.

The routes traverse the natural scenery of the Valle dei Margi, amidst hills, fields, and panoramic roads of the Calatino district. Among the most demanding sections is the climb towards the Madonna del Piano, a true test of legs and lungs. Strategic refreshment points and qualified mechanical assistance are located along the course.

Start and finish in the hexagonal square

The hub of the event is Piazza Carlo Maria Carafa, the monumental heart of Grammichele and the only hexagonal square in the world, an authentic Sicilian cultural heritage site. This is where the granfondo village comes to life, with stands, entertainment, and side activities, and where the various races conclude amidst the warmth of the crowd.

A weekend of sport and celebration

The event is not limited to Sunday's race: the program spans two days, featuring the setup of the village, race pack collection, and initiatives dedicated to children and the entire community. Alongside the amateur event, there is space for youth categories (giovanissimi, esordienti, allievi, juniores), confirming the event's strong bond with the local cycling movement and the Italian Cycling Federation.

Grammichele and the surrounding area

Located on the southern slopes of the Iblei Mountains, Grammichele is famous for its hexagonal layout, designed after the 1693 earthquake, making it a unique stop in Sicily's urban landscape. The Valle dei Margi Mediofondo is also an opportunity to discover the landscapes, food, wine, and hospitality of the Calatino area, in a successful blend of competition and territorial promotion.