The Granfondo Nove Colli 2026 is not a race to be taken lightly. History says so, the altimetry confirms it, but above all, the way the day unfolds speaks for itself: a dawn start, fast-paced groups from the very first kilometers, leg-grinding climbs, and a finish that offers no discounts. The 55th edition will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, starting and finishing in Cesenatico, at the Colonia AGIP on the Viale Carducci seafront.
Let’s put the rhetoric aside: anyone preparing for Novecolli 2026 needs solid facts. Which route to choose? How does the Nove Colli race pack work? What do you need to know about the Evodata chip? And, most importantly, where to stay for the Nove Colli to avoid turning the weekend into a race against the clock?
- Nove Colli: Why it is not “just a granfondo”
- Routes and Altimetry: Long, Medium and Gravel
- Logistics: Village, race pack, chip and starting blocks
- Classic mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Where to stay: why choosing Riccione is the best option
- Weekend plan in 6 steps
Nove Colli: Why it is not “just a granfondo”
Founded in 1971, the Nove Colli is one of those events that long ago ceased to be just a race. In 2026, it reaches its 55th edition, as part of a weekend that, for Cesenatico, means bikes, volunteers, crowds, and a massive organizational machine. It’s no coincidence that the Nove Colli Village opens as early as Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, from 09:00 to 21:00, in Piazza Andrea Costa.
This is also what makes it different: it’s not experienced in just a few hours. Arriving at the last minute with the idea of picking up materials, checking the chip, adjusting the bike, and then “seeing how it goes” is one of the classic mistakes. In a granfondo like this, stress accumulates even before the kilometers do.
Here is some useful data: for the 2026 edition, three official formats are planned. Long Route (Percorso Lungo) of 200 km and 3,814 meters of elevation gain, featuring the return of the Gorolo; Medium Route (Percorso Medio) of 137 km and 1,872 meters of elevation gain, with a detour after the Barbotto; and a non-competitive Gravel route of approximately 107 km and 1,798 meters of elevation gain on mixed terrain.
Nove Colli 2026 Routes and Altimetry: Long, Medium and Gravel
Choosing the right challenge is the first step to experiencing a Sunday as a true protagonist. The Nove Colli 2026 altimetry confirms a diverse range of options that can satisfy everyone: from the extreme cyclist seeking the significant elevation gain of the long route, to the amateur who prefers the management of the medium route, and even lovers of unpaved roads with the Gravel format. Each track has its own soul and requires specific preparation, but all share the adrenaline of the start and the charm of the Romagna hinterland.
Long Route: 200 km and the return of the Gorolo
The long route is the heart of the Granfondo Nove Colli: 200 km, 3,814 meters of elevation gain, nine climbs, and a day that requires more management than heroism. The sequence is one that every enthusiast knows well: Polenta, Pieve di Rivoschio, Ciola, Barbotto, Montetiffi, Perticara, Monte Pugliano, Passo delle Siepi, and Gorolo. In 2026, the return of the Gorolo restores the route to its most complete and selective form.
The first 28 kilometers are the true trap: a high-speed plain with compact groups and drafting that invites you to push beyond your threshold. This is where many start spending too much energy before the road actually tilts upward. Then, the race changes its face.
The Barbotto remains the most recognizable point of the entire Nove Colli altimetry: 5.5 km, average gradient of 6.9%, and a final wall that reaches 18%.
However, anyone who thinks the long route ends at the top of Barbotto is deeply mistaken. Further on is Monte Pugliano, which comes after 130 km and is the most energy-draining climb, followed by the Gorolo, with peaks of 17% when reserves are already at a minimum. What remains is the return to Cesenatico, where the wind can turn the finale into a final test of mental clarity.
Medium Route: 137 km and the detour after Barbotto
The Medium Route of the Nove Colli 2026 has an official length of 137 km and an elevation gain of 1,872 meters.
The medium route shares the entire first part with the long route until the summit of the Barbotto. This means it still includes Polenta, Pieve di Rivoschio, Ciola, and Barbotto. It is certainly a more manageable version of the race, ideal for those who want to experience the Nove Colli without entering the toughest part of the finale.
However, even here, the winner is the one who maintains their own pace. It is essential to avoid unnecessary sprints, improvised chases, and the temptation to overexert yourself on the climbs just because “it’s the medium route.”
Gravel and other formats
The Gravel event: 107 km with 1,798 meters of elevation gain, and it is a non-competitive event on unpaved roads and mixed terrain. Please note that the route may change and the final GPX tracks are only sent within 48 hours before the start.
The philosophy of the Nove Colli Gravel changes radically: the event requires the mandatory use of GPS and full self-sufficiency. No mechanical assistance is provided along the route, and there will be no recovery service for those who withdraw. Simply a Nove Colli in a different format.
Logistics: Village, race pack, chip and starting blocks for Granfondo Nove Colli
Logistics is not a minor detail, but a fundamental and integral part of the entire race experience. Often underestimated or approached too casually, proper logistics management can make the difference between a successful day and one filled with stress and unexpected issues.
Race pack and Village
The Nove Colli race pack can be collected at the Nove Colli Village, in Piazza Andrea Costa, on the following days:
- Friday, May 22nd
- Saturday, May 23rd
- Continuous hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM
To collect it, you will need:
- Confirmation Letter
- Identity Document
Collection by proxy is also permitted. Starting from April 6, 2026, all registered participants will also receive the Virtual Event Bag via email.
Evodata chip and documents
Timing is managed by Evodata. It is important to be very clear here:
- Those with an old “Nove Colli Special Edition” chip (starting with code 9) must have it re-coded for free at the Village;
- Chips starting with code 04 are already active;
- If you do not own a chip, you must purchase one online: €10 for a daily chip or €20 for an annual one.
Medical bureaucracy allows no exceptions:
- A competitive medical certificate specifically for cycling is required;
- Certificates for other sports are not valid;
- The document must be uploaded by April 30, 2026.
Classic mistakes (and how to avoid them)
There are mistakes seen every year, almost always at the same spots.
- Going above threshold in the first 28 km: the initial flat stretch pulls the group at high speeds. Following everyone and everything is the fastest way to pay for it later.
- Thinking Barbotto is the only judge: it is the iconic climb, yes. But the long route continues, and Monte Pugliano and Gorolo are still to come.
- Eating too late: the Nove Colli requires consistency. Arriving at the Barbotto with empty tanks is one of the most common mistakes.
- Underestimating descents and road surface: in some sections, prudence is necessary. It is better to lose a few seconds than to compromise everything.
- Staying alone in the finale of the long route: on the way back to Cesenatico, the wind can change the perception of the race. Staying sheltered, whenever possible, still matters.
Where to stay for the Granfondo Nove Colli: choose the logistics that saves your weekend
Those looking for a hotel package for the Nove Colli are not, in reality, just looking for a simple room. They are looking for a complete and functional logistical solution.
Riccione Bike Hotels: The Smart Starting Point for the Granfondo Nove Colli
For a cyclist, especially when preparing for a demanding event like the Nove Colli, staying in a well-equipped bike hotel in Riccione is essential, as it offers indispensable services:
- Secure bike room (often with video surveillance)
- Workshop or mechanical support
- Technical laundry service
- Early breakfast
- Targeted sports nutrition
- Post-race recovery
- Clear logistical organization
- An environment accustomed to the specific needs of cyclists
Why choose Riccione Bike Hotels as your base for the Granfondo Nove Colli?
The real strength of these facilities lies in offering an infrastructure completely oriented towards cycling, designed to optimize both preparation and recovery.
In summary: those who approach the Nove Colli as a true athletic challenge that goes beyond the simple act of starting will find in Riccione an infrastructural support designed to help them arrive prepared and recover at their best. Early breakfasts, bike storage areas, technical assistance, and useful services upon returning from a long day are all elements that help reduce organizational friction and increase the quality of the experience.
For competitive riders, advanced amateurs, or small teams, Riccione Bike Hotels represent a very smart logistical choice. It is advisable to explore the available facilities and select the one best suited to your profile and the type of weekend you desire.
The best offers for the 2026 Granfondo Nove Colli
If you want to experience the event worry-free, we have selected some of the best offers from Bike Hotels in Riccione for you. These facilities offer specific packages designed for Granfondo riders, including early breakfast on race day, late check-out, and all the technical services your bike needs.
Choose the offer that best suits your needs and ensure a stress-free stay for your challenge on May 24th.
Offers from Riccione Bike Hotels
Weekend plan in 6 steps for your Granfondo Nove Colli
- Arrive by Saturday, or even better on Friday, if you want to enjoy the Village without rushing;
- Collect your race pack, bib, and chip without waiting for the last possible window;
- Verify your Evodata chip immediately, especially if it requires re-coding;
- Check your bike, gears, brakes, and essential kit the day before;
- Plan ahead for dinner and breakfast, and prepare your bottles and cycling gear;
- Focus on recovery after the race: eat, hydrate, and clean your bike—don’t rush the journey home.
Conclusion
The 2026 Granfondo Nove Colli experience spans an entire weekend, and that is exactly what makes it special: the weight of its history, the demanding elevation, the legendary Barbotto, the return of the Gorolo, and the meticulous logistics involved. Every detail is crucial to the success of your performance.
Those who wish to experience it to the fullest, avoiding unnecessary stress, should plan every aspect well in advance. To consult the full regulations, check your registration status, or read the official organization announcements, we recommend visiting the official Granfondo Nove Colli portal regularly.
We at Riccione Bike Hotels are ready to welcome you, offering all the technical and logistical support needed to transform your race into an unforgettable weekend.
