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TIER 1 ROAD

Gran Fondo Nove Colli

Cesenatico, Emilia-Romagna, Italy · 2026: May 24

VERDICT Ultimate Italian gran fondo icon: 9 savage climbs, 12,000 souls, eternal glory.

89
LAB SCORE
[05]

The Ratings

Course verdict

The Gran Fondo Nove Colli loops 205 km from Cesenatico's Colonia Agip through Emilia-Romagna's Apennines, conquering nine legendary paved climbs totaling 3840 m.[1]

Course Profile ratings for this race. Select a point for its explanation. LOGISTICS4/5LENGTH5/5TECHNICAL3/5ELEVATION5/5CLIMATE4/5ALTITUDE2/5ADVENTURE4/5 27/35
Course Profile
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Course Overview

127 mi
Distance
12,600 ft
Elevation
Cesenatico, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Location
May 24, 2026
Date
Field Size
--
Entry Cost
RACER

Racer Reviews

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[07]

Training

May 24, 2026 GRAN FONDO NOVE COLLI
[08]

Train for Gran Fondo Nove Colli

RACE DEMAND PROFILE

Durability
6
Climbing
10
VO2 Power
10
Threshold
8
Technical
6
Heat
6
Altitude
4
Race Specificity
10
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NEWS

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Frequently Asked Questions

May dawn starts in Cesenatico bring mild Adriatic weather around 15-20°C, ideal for the 205 km push. Inland Apennines may see cooler temps and occasional rain on climbs like Pieve di Rivoschio. Crowds line the route in sunny conditions, enhancing the festive vibe.[1]

Registration for the Gran Fondo Nove Colli sells out rapidly after opening in late fall, with 12,000 spots filling from Cesenatico's Colonia Agip start. Cesenatico offers ample seaside hotels and bike rentals, though peak May demand requires early booking. Proximity to Rimini Airport simplifies travel for international riders.[1]

Riding through medieval villages, vineyards, and panoramic Apennine ridgelines from Cesenatico evokes Marco Pantani's legacy. Nine diverse climbs including the brutal 18% ramps of Barbotto deliver raw Italian road suffering. Massive 12,000-rider peloton creates an epic, immersive journey back to the coast.[1]

Founded in 1971, Gran Fondo Nove Colli is the oldest gran fondo worldwide, drawing 12,000 riders annually to Cesenatico. Its nine hills have featured in Giro d’Italia 2024, cementing legendary status. Riders worldwide bucket-list this Romagna classic for its historical pedigree.[1]

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Sources & Citations

Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.

  1. Official Official Websitewww.novecolli.it/en-GB