Colnago Cycling Festival

Colnago Cycling Festival - The essence of cycling between Garda and the hills

Born in the heart of cycling Lombardy, the Colnago Cycling Festival transforms Desenzano del Garda into an international stage for two-wheel enthusiasts every spring. This event, supported by institutions such as the Lombardy Region and the Municipality of Desenzano, is not a simple race: it is a hymn to cycling as a lifestyle, a bridge between sport, food and wine culture and sustainability.

A route that tells the story of the territory

The 130 km of the Gran Fondo (with medium and short variants) draw a sensory journey through terroirs of excellence. Participants pedal through the Lugana DOC pergola vineyards, past centuries-old olive groves of the Valtenesi and tackle panoramic climbs that offer breathtaking views of the lake. The white roads of the Parco Colli Morenici alternate with technical stretches through the woods, while in the flat areas the thermal wind of Lake Garda tests endurance.

Beyond the competition: the festival of experiences

In the village set up on the lakefront, visitors explore the latest technological innovations with partners such as X-Bionic, specialising in performance fabrics, and Ekoi, a leader in carbon wheels. At the Gourmet corner, the star chef of the Pollo Monteverde offers dishes based on Grana Padano DOP combined with Garda Doc wines, while the master pork butchers of the Salumificio Coati reveal the secrets of artisanal meat processing.

Practical information

With electric bike rental services from Velolake and guaranteed medical assistance, the event is accessible to all. Registration closes 48 hours before the start on the Endu portal, with packages including the gala dinner in Desenzano's medieval castle. For those who prefer to enjoy the spectacle, the sunsets over the lake offer unforgettable settings for the prize-giving ceremonies, accompanied by live jazz and tastings of Garda DOP olive oil.