Italy’s 2026 cycling calendar is set to feature a series of iconic, car-free events that offer enthusiasts the unparalleled experience of traversing some of the country’s most challenging and picturesque mountain passes without the usual vehicular traffic. Here’s a curated selection of these events:
1. Sellaronda Bike Day (Trentino-Alto Adige)
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, and again on Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Sellaronda Bike Day will celebrate its 20th edition. From 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, cyclists can enjoy a 53 km loop around the Sella Massif, encompassing the legendary passes of Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo, and Gardena. The route offers a total elevation gain of 1,650 meters, all amidst the breathtaking Dolomites landscape. This non-competitive event is open to all, with no registration required. (dolomitisuperski.com)
2. Granfondo Gavia Mortirolo (Lombardy)
Scheduled for July 4-5, 2026, the Granfondo Gavia Mortirolo offers both one-day and multi-day gravel experiences. Participants can choose between a single-day ride on Saturday, a single-day ride on Sunday, or a two-day adventure spanning both days. The event features routes through the iconic Gavia and Mortirolo passes, renowned for their challenging terrains and stunning alpine scenery. The Saturday ride covers 80 km with a 1,970-meter elevation gain, while the Sunday ride spans 80 km with a 2,770-meter elevation gain, including a 1,000-meter ascent via cable car. This non-competitive event is designed for gravel bike enthusiasts seeking an alpine adventure. (granfondogaviaemortirolo.it)
3. Dolomites Bike Day (Trentino-Alto Adige)
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Dolomites Bike Day will close the roads around the Sella Group to motorized traffic, allowing cyclists to traverse a 51 km loop that includes the Campolongo, Falzarego, and Valparola passes. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a total elevation gain of 1,320 meters. This is a non-competitive event, open to all cyclists, including those on racing bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, tandems, and vintage bicycles. (visittrentino.info)
4. Gran Sasso Bike Day (Abruzzo)
On Sunday, August 31, 2026, the Gran Sasso Bike Day will close the road from Fonte Cerreto to Campo Imperatore to motorized traffic, allowing cyclists to ascend the iconic Gran Sasso mountain. The event runs from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and is free of charge, with no registration required. This is a unique opportunity for cyclists in central and southern Italy to experience a high-altitude climb on their road bikes. (visittrentino.info)
5. Valle Camonica Passi Mitici (Lombardy)
Throughout the summer of 2026, the Valle Camonica Passi Mitici initiative will offer several car-free days on iconic mountain passes in the Valle Camonica region. The schedule includes closures on the Gavia Pass from Ponte di Legno on June 5 and August 30, the Mortirolo Pass from Monno on June 9 and August 28, Montecampione from Artogne on July 2, and the Vivione Pass from Paisco Loveno on June 30. These events are designed to promote cycling tourism and provide cyclists with the opportunity to enjoy these scenic routes without vehicular traffic. (visittrentino.info)
6. Grandi Scalate del Pinerolese (Piedmont)
From June to September 2026, the Grandi Scalate del Pinerolese series will feature seven days dedicated to road cycling enthusiasts, combining the passion for racing bikes, the love for challenges, and the beauty of the alpine landscape. The calendar includes road closures on the Prarostino climb from Bricherasio on June 13, Prarostino from San Secondo on June 28, Colle Pra Martino from San Pietro Val Lemina on July 11, Verna di Cumiana on July 18, Rifugio Barbara Lowrie on July 22, Parco Montano di Rorà on July 25, and the Montoso climb from Bibiana on August 1. These events are designed for cyclists seeking to challenge themselves on some of the most demanding climbs in the Pinerolo area. (visittrentino.info)
Participating in these events offers cyclists the unique opportunity to experience Italy’s most iconic mountain passes in a safe, car-free environment, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cycling enthusiasts and the stunning natural beauty of the Italian Alps.