Best Gravel Events in Italy 2026
Italy's reputation in the cycling world is legendary. But beyond the tarmac, a vibrant gravel scene is flourishing. For 2026, the calendar is packed with an incredible diversity of events.
Italy's reputation in the cycling world is legendary, built on Grand Tours and iconic road races. But beyond the tarmac, a vibrant gravel scene is flourishing. With several world-class events still to come in 2026 — and an exceptional 2027 calendar already taking shape — this is your complete guide to the best gravel events in Italy for 2026 and beyond.
Why Ride Gravel in Italy?
It can be summed up in one phrase: strade bianche. The white roads of Tuscany are the spiritual home of gravel riding, but the appeal of Italy extends far beyond one region. Riding here is a fully immersive experience. One day you might be navigating ancient Roman paths, the next climbing through the stunning Prosecco Hills before indulging in the very wine the region is famous for. The landscape is a character in itself, shaping events and challenging riders with its extraordinary variety.
The Terrain: Alps, Volcanoes and Strade Bianche
The North (Alps & Dolomites): This is where you come to climb. Regions like Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige are defined by dramatic mountain landscapes, long demanding ascents, and technical descents. The Sneak Peaks series and Sportful Dolomiti Gravel showcase the best of this world-class Alpine terrain.
The Centre (Tuscany & The Apennines): The classic Italian gravel experience. Rolling hills, cypress-lined avenues, and endless networks of farm tracks and the famous strade bianche. Less about single monumental climbs and more about attritional, rolling routes that constantly test your rhythm. The Tuscany Trail is the definitive event here.
The South & Islands (Sardinia & Sicily): Wilder, more rugged adventure. Coastal paths, rocky inland tracks, and ancient cultures. Sardinia hosts the Transichnusa bikepacking event, traversing the island's ancient interior. The Two Volcano Sprint connects Mt. Vesuvius and Mt. Etna in one monumental 1,220km ultra-endurance challenge.
Climate & Seasonality
Spring (March–May): The peak season. Warm, pleasant weather, landscapes in full bloom, and the majority of the Italian gravel calendar concentrated in this perfect window.
Summer (June–August): Intensely hot in the south and central regions. Few major events are scheduled outside of high-altitude Alpine events where temperatures are more manageable.
Autumn (September–October): The second prime season. Summer heat subsides, tourist crowds thin out, and autumnal colours create a spectacular backdrop — especially in the north. Gran Garda offers a stunning late-season Alpine challenge.
2026 Event Highlights
Tuscany Trail (Donoratico — 20 May 2026)
The most iconic Italian gravel adventure. An unsupported journey through the legendary white roads of Tuscany from the coast into the heart of the region. The definitive bucket-list Italian gravel event.
Transichnusa (Sardinia — 4 May 2026)
A deep immersion into the real Sardinia. Away from the tourist coasts and into the heart of the island, traversing shepherd's tracks, cork forests, and ancient Nuragic complexes.
Sportful Dolomiti Gravel (Feltre — 15 June 2026)
A spectacular one-day race in the Dolomites. Challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery in one of Italy's most famous mountain regions.
Off:Roader Toscana (Italy — 24 June 2026)
A multi-day gravel adventure through Tuscany. A supported format that makes the iconic strade bianche accessible to a wider range of riders.
Sneak Peaks Series (Bolzano — August 2026)
Three distinct Dolomite adventures in late August — Sneak Peaks, Sneak Peaks Entree, and Sneak Peaks Adventure. World-class mountain terrain in one of Italy's most spectacular regions.
Tuscan Fellowship (Firenze — 6 September 2026)
A late-season Tuscan adventure in the golden light of early autumn. A perfect way to close out the Italian gravel season.
Grinduro Italy (Grosseto — 26 September 2026)
The Italian edition of the globally beloved Grinduro format — part race, part festival. Timed segments on a scenic loop course in Tuscany, combining competition with community.
Istra Land (Basovizza — 18 September 2026)
A gravel adventure in Friuli-Venezia Giulia on the border with Slovenia. Unique terrain combining Italian and Balkan landscapes. An underrated late-season gem.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Highlights
Registration for 2027 events will open in late 2026. These are the ones to watch:
The Hills Gravel Race (Valdobbiadene — 27 March 2027): The perfect early-season opener. 120km through the Prosecco Hills with 17 punchy climbs and minimal asphalt. A true test of early-season form.
Piemont Gravel (Bandito — 9 April 2027): Now in its 6th edition. A non-competitive ride through Piedmont's UNESCO wine country — perfect for those who want to savour the journey.
Two Volcano Sprint (26 April 2027): 1,220km non-stop from Mt. Vesuvius to Mt. Etna. One of the most iconic ultra-cycling challenges in Europe.
Italy Divide (Pompei — 30 April 2027): The original Italian bikepacking epic. From the ruins of Pompei northwards across the Apennines to the Alps. Competition for places will be fierce — follow their channels in autumn 2026.
Gran Garda (25 September 2027): An epic loop around Lake Garda deep into the Italian Alps. A serious challenge with significant climbing and breathtaking panoramic views.