The Gran Fondo Il Lombardia 2026 is an annual cycling event that echoes the prestige of its namesake professional race, Il Lombardia, known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves.” This event stands out for its challenging routes through the Lombardy region, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and significant climbs. It offers cyclists a taste of the professional race experience, with routes that navigate the area’s scenic beauty and demanding terrain, making it a special blend of tradition, endurance, and picturesque Italian countryside. Strambecco rates the event as a Best-in-Class Gran Fondo spanning Italy.

The start is in the city of Cantù, and the first 25 km follow the constant undulations of the roads of Brianza up to Maglio. The following 7 kilometers, leading the riders to the hill of Sormano, are the hardest yet the most exciting of the race. The race’s climax is the last two kilometers of this climb, the iconic MURO DI SORMANO, a totem in worldwide cycling. Here, the route climbs steeply with an average 15.8% gradient, topping out at 27%. The writings on the tarmac and the signage at the side of the road will be there to provide Gran Fondo athletes with the experience of a real Pro. Less experienced riders may take a 2 km detour, allowing them to reach the summit on a milder climb.

After a sharp descent into Nesso, the route levels out briefly and then undulates again, up to Regatola, where the athletes tackle the second climb of the day, the GHISALLO. Gradients are high but not as steep as in Sormano. The average slope is 6.2% over 9 km, at 14% towards the end. On the summit, the riders will be welcomed by the bells of Madonna del Ghisallo and by the most famous museum in cycling history. At the top of the Ghisallo, 70 km into the Gran Fondo, the riders have covered nearly two-thirds of the route, and the most challenging parts are behind them.

A long (nearly 20 km) and broad descent leads them to Merone, where they rest their legs before the final 20 kilometers. They climb again in short and steep spurts until they finish at the heart of Cantù.