Granfondo Colnago Desenzano del Garda: The Lake Cycling Festival

Every spring, Desenzano del Garda turns into the capital of Italian amateur cycling by hosting the Colnago Cycling Festival, three days of pure passion on two wheels that attract thousands of cyclists from all over the world. The Granfondo Colnago is the highlight of this event, one of the most beautiful and popular on the national cycling scene.

The Colnago Cycling Festival: Three Days of Passion

The festival consists of three days full of events, competitions and initiatives for fans of all ages and levels. With over 5,000 participants from around 20 nations and more than 12,000 in total attendance, the event turns Desenzano into a global cycling village.

The Festival Programme

Friday - Opening and Family Day:

Opening Expo Area with technical stands and sponsors
Bib collection
Colnago Family: family trail
Conad Junior Bike: race for young cyclists
Animation and entertainment

Saturday - Randonnée and Gravel:

Giro del Lago: cycling tourism randonnée around Lake Garda
Colnago Gravel: gravel route for gravel enthusiasts
Expo always open
Evening events and shows

Sunday - Granfondo Grand Day:

Granfondo Colnago: long and medium course
The Beauties of D'Annunzio: scenic cycling tour
Arrival and prize-giving
Final party

The Granfondo Colnago: The Routes

Long Course (140 km - 2,010 m difference in altitude)

The long route is the real challenge of the Granfondo, reserved for the most trained and determined cyclists.
Technical specifications:

Length: 140 km
Height difference: 2,010 metres
Main climbs: 4
Difficulty: demanding

The main climbs:
1. Navazzo:

Length: 7.16 km
Average slope: 6.4%
The first real difficulty of the route

2. Capovalle:

Length: 5.8 km
Average slope: 6.4%
Nestled in the woods of Valvestino

3. Preseglie:

Length: 2.15 km
Average slope: 4.7%
Short but treacherous climb

4. St. Gallen Pass (Coste):

Length: 9 km
Average slope: 4.1%
Maximum points: 12.8%
The final climb before the finish
Through the Botticino white marble quarries

Medium Route (108 km - 1,384 m difference in altitude)

The medium route still offers significant challenges but is more accessible to amateur cyclists.
Technical specifications:

Length: 108 km
Height difference: 1,384 metres
Main climbs: 2
Difficulty: medium

The route follows the same route as the long one to Gavardo, avoiding the last demanding climb of Colle San Gallo.

The Common Route

Both routes start and finish on the Desenzano lakefront and pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes on Lake Garda:
Km 0-15Morenic Hills

Departure from Desenzano (68 m a.s.l.)
Crossing Padenghe, Soiano, Polpenazze, Puegnago
Vineyards, olive groves and lake views
Slide to select groups

Km 15-23: Zette Descent

Panoramic descent over the Gulf of Salò
Technical and spectacular curves
Well known to professionals

Km 23-59: Valsabbia

Crossing of Salò
Valsabbia hinterland
Vobarno and Sabbio Chiese
Mountain landscape

Km 59-70: Ascent Coste

11 km with average gradient 4%
Maximum 8.5%
Mountain scenery with rocks
Colle Sant'Eusebio (568 m)
Stage of the Giro d'Italia

Km 70-80: Descent Vallio Terme

10 km of curves
Technical and fast
Arrival in Gavardo

Last 30 kmReturn to Desenzano

Ups and downs between Bedizzole and Lonato
Green hills of Garda
Last 7 km on the lakeside from Padenghe
Festive arrival in Desenzano

Le Randonnée: The Tour of the Lake

Classic version (147 km - 825 m difference in altitude)

The Lake Tour is a French-style randonnée that allows you to circumnavigate the entire Lake Garda in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.
Features:

French-style start
No timing
Focus on views and conviviality
Suitable for all levels

Tough version (210 km - 2,100 m difference in altitude)

For the more ambitious, the long version also includes the hinterland with additional climbs, creating an epic challenge that combines a complete tour of the lake with demanding detours.

Colnago Gravel: The Gravel Alternative

The event dedicated to gravel bike offers mixed asphalt-terrain routes through the moraine hills and scenic paths of Lake Garda. A different experience that is winning over more and more enthusiasts.

Registration and Practical Information

How to Register

Registration for the Granfondo Colnago opens several months before the event and usually reaches sold out well in advance for the most coveted routes.
Enrolment modalities:

Online at the official website colnagocyclingfestival.com
Early bird rates for early registrants
Increasing quotas as the date approaches
Possibility of personalised bib (for a fee)

Indicative quotas:

Granfondo: €40-75 (depending on registration period)
Mediofondo: similar to granfondo
Randonnée: €20-50
Gravel: variable

Participation Requirements

Granfondo and Mediofondo:

Competitive medical certificate for cycling (compulsory)
Older age
Racing bicycle in order
Homologated helmet (mandatory)

Randonnée and Gravel:

Non-competitive medical certificate
Bicycle suitable for the route
Compulsory helmet

Bib collection

Bib collection takes place on the days before the race at the’Expo Area set up in the centre of Desenzano, typically in Piazza Cappelletti and surrounding streets.
During the retreat you receive:

Bib number with timing chip
Race package with gadgets and sponsor giveaways
Garment bag
Information material

Logistics and Services

Departure and Arrival

Departure zone:

Lungolago Cesare Battisti, Desenzano del Garda
Grill opening: from 7 a.m.
Official departure: 7.30 a.m.

Arrival area:

Same lakeside as the start
Festive finish line with audience
Final refreshment
Recovery area

Refreshments during the Route

Along the track are several catering outlets with:

Water and isotonic drinks
Fresh and dried fruit
Energy bars
Savoury products
Basic mechanical assistance

Typical positioning:

Refreshment point 1: after the Navazzo ascent
Refuge 2: Col Sant'Eusebio
Refreshment point 3: Colle San Gallo (long route only)

Technical and Medical Assistance

Flagship: assistance vehicles along the route
Mobile workshops: for emergency repairs
Medical ServiceAmbulances and doctors on the track
Broom wagon: collection of retired cyclists

Storage of bags

Service of luggage storage stored at the start/finish area, with return at the end of the race.

The Expo Area: The Cycling Village

During the three days of the festival, the centre of Desenzano hosts a large exhibition area where:

Technical stands: bicycles, components, clothing
Sponsor areasColnago, Cassa Rurale and official partners
Test bikesopportunity to try out new models
WorkshopsChecking and tuning bicycles
Food & beverage: catering areas
Entertainment: music, animation, events

Traffic modifications

During the festival, and especially on the Sunday of the Granfondo, there will be major changes to the road system:

Affected Municipalities

The route passes through more than 10 municipalities in the Brescia area of Lake Garda:

Desenzano del Garda
Padenghe sul Garda
Soiano del Lago
Polpenazze del Garda
Puegnago del Garda
Roè Volciano
Salò
Gardone Riviera
Toscolano Maderno
Gargnano
Capovalle
Valsabbia Municipalities

Road closures

Desenzano:

Lakeside closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Via del Vò and Via Gramsci during the departure
Reported deviations

Other municipalities:

Temporary closures staggered according to passage
Gardesana closed in sections
Limited internal roads

It is advisable to plan trips in advance by consulting municipal ordinances.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The Yellow Visual Maze

In the days leading up to the event, the streets of the route are coloured with the characteristic “yellow visual maze”, the road mark that signals the passage of the Colnago and creates anticipation and excitement.

Evening Events

The festival does not end with the daytime competitions:

Pyrotechnics on the water of the lake
Concerts and live music
DJ set in the evenings
Gala dinners for participants
Official awards

International Presence

With participants from over 20 nations, the festival creates a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere:

Cyclists from all over Europe
Groups from the United States
Teams from Asia and Australia
Cultural exchange and international friendships

Where to Stay for the Festival

A Casa di Sabina is the ideal choice to attend the Colnago Cycling Festival. Just 2 km from the centre of Desenzano, our holiday flats offer the perfect base for cyclists and companions.

Benefits for Cyclists

Strategic location:

2 km from the lakeside (start/finish area)
Easy to reach by bicycle or on foot
Away from the chaos of the centre during the event
Peace and quiet guaranteed for pre-race rest

Dedicated services:

Swimming poolperfect to defatigue after the race
Spacious flatsideal for groups of cyclists
Bike storage areaSafe spaces for bicycles
Parkingconvenient for those arriving by car with a bike rack

Relaxing ambience:

Peaceful moraine hills
Panoramic View
Family atmosphere
Perfect for pre-race concentration

After giving everything on the pedals of the Granfondo, returning to our modern flats allows you to recuperate in a comfortable environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre but only a few minutes away from the awards ceremony and the final party.
Discover our holiday flats perfect for cyclists or contact us to book your stay during the Colnago Cycling Festival. La our structure has always been a point of reference for sportsmen and women visiting Lake Garda.

Tips for Facing the Granfondo

Physical Preparation

Recommended training:

At least 3-4 outings per week in the preceding months
Routes with climbs to get used to the difference in altitude
Long trips (100+ km) in the final weeks
Adequate rest in the week of the competition

Technical Preparation

Bicycle:

Complete check before departure
Appropriate ratios for ascents (11-32 or 11-34 cassette)
Tyres in good condition
Efficient brakes

Material to be brought:

Spare inner tube
Pump or CO2
Multipurpose spanners
Additional personal nutrition

Race Strategy

Controlled startnot to get carried away by enthusiasm
Constant power supply: eating before you are hungry
Regular hydration: drinking often and little
Climb managementFinding your own sustainable rhythm
SecurityCaution on descents and in groups

History and Tradition

The Colnago Cycling Festival has an established history that has made it one of the fixed appointments on the Italian amateur cycling calendar. Year after year, the event has grown in terms of participation and prestige.

The Colnago Brand

The presence of the prestigious brand Colnago, synonymous with excellence in world cycling, gives the event an aura of tradition and quality. The legendary Colnago bicycles have made history in professional cycling.

The Link with the Territory

The Granfondo Colnago is deeply rooted in the territory of the Garda bresciano:

Routes that enhance natural beauty
Involvement of local communities
Hundreds of committed volunteers
Partnerships with local institutions and sponsors

Economic and Tourist Impact

The festival generates an important economic spin-off for the territory:

Over 12,000 attendees in three days
Overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs and flats
Catering and tourist services
International visibility for Lake Garda
Promotion of cycling tourism

Conclusion

La Granfondo Colnago he Desenzano del Garda is more than just a bike race: it is a festival celebrating the passion for two wheels, the friendship between cyclists from all over the world and the incomparable beauty of Lake Garda.
Whether you choose the long route to put yourself to the test, the medium route for a complete but more affordable experience, or the randonnée to enjoy the scenery without the anxiety of the time trial, the Colnago Cycling Festival will provide you with unforgettable thrills.
Cycling on the roads that have seen the champions of the Giro d'Italia race, crossing breathtaking landscapes between lake and mountain, sharing fatigue and joy with thousands of fans: this is the dream that the Colnago Cycling Festival realises every spring on the banks of Lake Garda.
Get ready to live your cycling dream at Desenzano del Garda!