Valle dei Vini Granfondo
The most popular mountain bike granfondo in Southern Italy, set in the heart of the Belìce Valley.
About Valle dei Vini Classic
The most popular MTB granfondo in Southern Italy
The Valle dei Vini Granfondo, also known as the Valle dei Vini Classic, is the mountain bike event that brings hundreds of enthusiasts from all over Italy to Sambuca di Sicilia, in the province of Agrigento, every spring. Established in 2018, it has quickly earned a reputation as the most popular MTB granfondo in Southern Italy, attracting nearly seven hundred participants and effectively opening the national off-road racing season.
Two routes in the Belìce Valley
The race takes place in the heart of the Belìce Valley, amidst the vineyards and untouched landscapes surrounding Sambuca. Participants can choose between two tracks:
- Granfondo Route: approximately 46 km with 1,600–1,700 meters of elevation gain, reserved for those who love climbing and technical sections. Starting from the village's historic center, the route crosses the old narrow-gauge railway track, tackles the famous wall at the foot of the town with 20% gradients, and includes the rollercoaster—a two-kilometer almost straight single track—as well as pine forests and river crossings.
- Hiking Route: approximately 30 km with 1,000 meters of elevation gain, a shorter version that retains the most stunning views but with lower difficulty, also open to e-bikes and those seeking a more relaxed experience.
A village that welcomes bikers
The strength of the event also lies in its hospitality: Sambuca di Sicilia, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, opens its historic center as the race headquarters. The participant package includes breakfast, a free photo service, a race pack, a pasta party, medical assistance, and a sweep service along the routes.
Sport, territory, and social commitment
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Valle dei Vini Granfondo has spent years weaving together sport and territory, promoting the valley's wines and typical products while linking up with major national mountain bike circuits. The event has also provided a platform for social initiatives, from promoting female participation to raising awareness against gender-based violence, confirming its status as an event that goes far beyond simple sporting competition in the Sicily region.
Valle dei Vini Classic — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Valle dei Vini Granfondo marked a step up in quality: the Sambuca di Sicilia event joined the Prestigio circuit of MTB Magazine, one of the most important showcases for Italian off-road cycling. Hundreds of bikers from all over Italy battled it out on the usual Belìce Valley routes—the 46 km Granfondo track with 1,700 meters of elevation gain and the 30 km Hiking track.
Among the major highlights was the presence of the Italian women's national MTB team and the decision to have all women, from Elite to Master, start in the first grid to emphasize the role of female athletes. The event, in collaboration with the Co.Tu.Le.Vi. anti-violence center, invited participants to wear a red ribbon as a symbol of solidarity against gender-based violence.
Programme Valle dei Vini Classic 2026
Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Morning — Gathering, breakfast, and race pack collection in the historic center of Sambuca di Sicilia.
- Start — Women, from Elite to Master categories, started in the first grid, ahead of the group.
- Granfondo Route — 46 km with 1,700 m of elevation gain through vineyards, single tracks, and technical sections of the Belìce Valley.
- Hiking Route — 30 km with approximately 400–1,000 m of elevation gain, also open to e-bikes.
- After-race — Pasta party, free photo service, and awards ceremony.
Edition valid for the Prestigio circuit of MTB Magazine. The Italian women's national team was present with its technical staff under the direction of coach Mirko Celestino.
Highlights Valle dei Vini Classic 2026
Prices Valle dei Vini Classic 2026
Practical information — Valle dei Vini Classic
How to get there
Sambuca di Sicilia (AG) is located in the Belìce Valley, in Western Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (exit at Castelvetrano or Salemi) and then via the valley's provincial roads. The nearest airports are Palermo (Punta Raisi) and Trapani-Birgi.
Registration
Registration is handled online via sports membership platforms (mtbonline.it) and the official website granfondovalledeivini.com, where fees, regulations, and updates for each edition are published.
Tips
The event takes place in early March: bring clothing suitable for the still-cool temperatures and ensure your off-road bike is in good condition. We recommend booking accommodation in Sambuca or nearby Belìce Valley towns well in advance.
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Where does it take place — Valle dei Vini Classic
Centro storico di Sambuca di Sicilia
Centro storico, 92017 Sambuca di Sicilia