2024 Nove Colli Granfondo

Come and ride the Nove Colli Granfondo cycle sportive starting and finishing in Cesenatico. This event is known as the Queen of Granfondo’s, with over 10,000 riders the event sells out in minutes when released in November making it near impossible to enter individually unless via Hooked on Cycling. The Nove Colli event is 205km / 127 miles long (there is also a short version of 130km / 81 miles), it has 9 mountain climbs (4 on the short course) with approximately 42 miles (16 miles on the short course) of climbing within the middle 90 miles of the course. The nine cols are Polenta, Pieve di Rivoschio, Ciola, Barbotto, Monte Tiffi, Perticara, Pugliano, Passo delle Siepi and the last climb Gorolo. The climb of Barbotto all long and short course riders ride and this climb has a chrono (timed) with the king of the mountains award.

This certainly is an experience not to be missed, as riders amass in the starting grid, anticipation mounts, the hosts get the riders excited for the challenge ahead of them.  Starting in grids and waves of 1000 riders with 3 minutes apart you head out at speed for the flat 17 miles before the first climb then it is a question of survival as you have climbed after climb without little valley roads between climbs. Over the last climb and the long descent and flat section back to Cesenatico where the crowds await to applaud you.

The biggest applause is always reserved for the last rider on the long course, here most of the public have left and riders are back in there hotels or travelling home, but the last rider is greeted but all the helpers and officials at the finish, get to stand on the podium and are provided with local gifts.

Our base for this event is a 4-star hotel in the start town of Cesenatico which is located right on the beachfront, with spa and swimming pool it is a great location for the sporting cyclists and families or partners should they come. Here hospitality comes as second nature and a great atmosphere build up.

Please Note

You shall need either a Race License from your own country or a doctor signed medical certificate (standard copy supplied by organizers) to take part in the event. Ride entries fees cannot be refunded if these are not supplied in time.

Please note the race entry cannot be reassigned to another rider or cancelled.

Jon’s 2016 Experience

Read about Jon’s 2016 experience of riding the Nove Colli here.

2017 Experience

Read our 2017 Trip Report from the Nove Colli

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Hooked on Cycling that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the chosen activity and for emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Wish to cycle in Italy or even fixed on the Emilia Romagna region but maybe do not want a competitive event or challenge event, then look no further than the Italian Cycle Resort or Romagna Cycle Resort for inspiration!

How to get there

To Bologna or Rimini airports were we can arrange transfer to the hotel if required, transfers are paid locally. You can also take the train direct from Bologna or Rimini to Cesenatico.

2024 Prices – For a complete tour price breakdown please click the book now button and select your holiday tour date. Prices will then be listed.