The big news is that the 2026 Gran Fondo will start and finish in Bergamo. Sportive Breaks are the official tour operator for the 2026 Gran Fondo Lombardia. The Gran Fondo Il Lombardia has been based in Cantù near Como since the event began in 2017. In previous editions the Gran Fondo route included the climbs used in the pro race around Lake Como such as the Madonna del Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano (Sormano Wall). The new route unfolds across the Bergamo area, through unique landscapes and iconic climbs such as the Valico di Valcava and Selvino, passing through Sedrina—Felice Gimondi’s hometown—to celebrate his legend.
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What has changed?
- We will be staying in Bergamo rather than Como in 2026
- Access to Bergamo is a bit easier than Como
- The start and finish of the Gran Fondo are in Bergamo rather than in Cantu near Como
- Our hotel is located right next to the Gran Fondo start and finish so no need for transport which was the case when staying in Como
What hasn’t changed is that your host will be Giro d’Italia stage winner Andrea Ferrigato. You can still enjoy various ways to spectate at Il Lombardia on the Saturday including official race hospitality or a full day hosted by Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Sportive Breaks also offers airport transfers, bike mechanic and the option to rent a bike.
The new Gran Fondo Il Lombardia route
The Gran Fondo Lombardia 2026 starts and finishes in Bergamo, delivering a classic loop through the rugged hills north of the city that perfectly reflects the spirit of Il Lombardia. The route is approximately 110 km long and packed with sustained climbing, technical descents, and very little flat terrain, making it a course for well‑rounded riders.
Early Rolling Terrain → First Major Climb
The opening kilometres heading out of Bergamo are relatively gentle, allowing you to settle in before the terrain gradually tilts upward through Caprino Bergamasco and San Gottardo. The first decisive challenge is the Valico di Valcava, an 11.6 km climb averaging around 8% with ramps hitting 17%. This is the longest and toughest ascent of the day, which will form the first major selection point.
Mid‑Route Recovery and Valleys
After cresting Valcava, the course descends into the Valle Imagna and continues through Costa Valle Imagna and Bedulita, offering riders a chance to eat, drink, and recover. The rolling terrain through Almenno San Salvatore, Villa d’Almè, and Sedrina keeps the legs working, but without the sustained brutality of the earlier climb.
Final Climbs: Classic Lombardy Difficulty
The decisive final third features a double challenge. First comes the climb to Miragolo San Salvatore, an 8.7 km ascent averaging around 7%, with double‑digit gradients in places. Shortly after, riders tackle the steep but short Passo di Salmezza, just 3 km long but averaging 8–9% with ramps up to 15%, making it a true sting in the tail.
Return to Bergamo
A long descent through Selvino and Nembro leads back toward Bergamo, followed by a mostly flat run‑in to the finish. While the final kilometres are not technically difficult, fatigue from the climbing means this will be a hard final push to the finish line.
Key Details for 2026 Gran Fondo Il Lombardia
- Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Distance/ altitude: 109.5 km / 2,500m
- Start: Accademia della Guardia di Finanza in Bergamo
- Finish: Largo Colle Aperto in Bergamo
2026 Gran Fondo Il Lombardia GPX – STRAVA FILE
Why Book Gran Fondo Il Lombardia With Sportive Breaks?
Sportive Breaks are the Gran Fondo Experts. We’ve been planning and delivering cycling holidays for many years. Below we have listed just a few reasons why you should book your next cycling holiday with Sportive Breaks:
When booking
- Early booking discounts
- Helpful and experienced customer service teams in the UK, USA and Australia
- Huge choice of events
- Interest-free payment plans
- Excellent value for money
- Online booking system with live pricing and availability
- Choice of booking currency
- Choice of room types (single, twin, double, triple, family)
- Twin share service for single travellers
- ABTA protected holidays (Association of British Tour Operators accredited member) – More information
- Independent reviews by Feefo
- Free bespoke trip planning service for groups
- Online medical certification service available (extra cost) – More information
Our Service
- Local staff for sustainability, the best local insights and service
- Single travellers, groups and all nationalities are welcome to join our group
- Cyclist friendly hotels in the best locations for the start and finish
- Guided warm-up rides
- Welcome meetings, event briefings and post-event gatherings
- Guaranteed event entry with choice of start pen (selected events)
- Mechanical assistance from UCI mechanics
- Transport to the event start and from the finish (selected events)
- Private feed and assistance stops on selected events
- Post-travel bike building and pre-travel bike packing assistance
Optional extras
- Bike rental
- Airport transfers with space for bike boxes
- Official event hospitality
