L’Etape Italy by Tour de France This year they are bringing not one but two Granfondos. With two variants in Piedmont. The Valle Gesso takes the lead and Mondovi in the province of Cuneo will follow in the autumn. This almost answers the question: is such a granfondo worth it if you want to get to know a region? We say yes! And for two reasons that you don’t get on a regular bike tour: empty roads and a concrete goal.
Closed roads change everything
The biggest enemy of enjoying cycling is traffic. Raising your shoulders in front of oncoming vans, timing intersections, the engine noise that takes your mind off things. In a well-organized granfondo, that goes away. The roads are completely or partially closed off, and what remains is the sound of freehubs, breathing, and occasionally an encouragement from the sidewalk.
You dare to look at a mountain for three seconds longer and you notice that lavender is growing along the side. You don't have to shout to ask a friend something. L’Etape du Tour It is known for the road closures on the official Tour courses, and that also applies to the L’etape Italy by Tour de France. The difference compared to an average training ride through the same area is enormous.
A goal completes the journey
Training without a destination is difficult to maintain. A granfondo on the calendar changes that. You know: on day X I have to cover that distance and climb those meters. That gives structure to your weeks beforehand, and it makes the experience on the road more intense. You have lived for it.
One former professional cyclist put it this way: “I prefer a mantra of ‘completion over competition’ these days… the memories of my past racing experiences inevitably come rushing back.” This combination of personal challenge and shared experience makes a granfondo more than just a bike ride. It also forces you to plan the trip seriously, find accommodation, and perhaps explore an extra day. In that way, a cycling event becomes a cycling trip by itself.
Three Italian flavors for your calendar
If you’re considering discovering Italy through a granfondo, there are two events that perfectly demonstrate why this format works.
L’Etape Italy by Tour de France
The Italian edition of L’Etape brings the format of the Tour de France to Italian roads. Participants ride on closed circuits that recall the grand tours, with the organizational backbone of the Tour brand behind them. For cyclists who want to experience the atmosphere of the Tour without having to travel to France, this is a logical starting point.
What makes L’Etape Italy an attractive option for discovery: you ride routes that have been specially selected to showcase the Italian landscape. The road closures ensure that you can experience these routes as intended, without worrying about the Italian traffic.
| Event | Route | Distance / Altitude meters | Profile | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Étape Piemonte (Entracque) | Long route | 140 km / 3,000 hm* | High Mountains | A full-fledged Alpine granfondo, a tough climb challenge |
| L’Étape Piemonte (Entracque) | Short route | 75 km / 1,500 hm* | Mountainous | Accessible mountain bike trail, but still challenging |
| L’Étape Mondovì | Long route | 110.5–120 km/2,000 hm | Hilly/mountainous | Main route for experienced amateurs and competitive riders |
| L’Étape Mondovì | Short route | about 60 km / about 1,000 hm* | Hilly | Introductory level granfondo experience |
Marathon of the Dolomites
When: July 5, 2026
Where: Alta Badia, Dolomites
Of Marathon of the Dolomites For many cyclists, it is the dream on the calendar. Every year, 8,000 participants are selected through a lottery. The roads are completely closed to traffic. The Ladin valleys, just for you and your fellow riders. The theme for 2026 is “Pax” and the organization emphasizes the mountains as a symbol of honesty and community.
The routes are as follows:
| Route | Distance | Elevation meters | Main passes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon | 138 km | 4,230 m | Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego |
| Meido | 106 km | 3,130 m | Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Falzarego |
| Sellaronda | 55 km | 1,780 m | Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena |
The Giau (9.9 km at 9.3%) is the turning point of the long route. That's where you know if you've trained enough. But even the Sellaronda of 55 km With 1,780 altitude meters, it is no mean feat. The organization describes it as if “the Ladin valleys are exclusively open to those who choose the bike.”
Good to know: The draw is crucial. Sign up in time and don't expect to get a place right away. Plan your accommodation in La Villa or the surrounding area in advance, though, because after the draw everything is gone.
The same principle
L’Etape Italy and the Maratona dles Dolomites are very different events, in scale, in character and in difficulty. But the principle is the same: you ride on roads that are not normally yours, to a finish that you deserve. You see more, you feel more, and you remember it better than from the backseat of a touring car.
Who after the News about L’Etape Italy Are you unsure whether a granfondo is something for you? Start by registering. The rest will come naturally.
And if you can’t make it on these two dates? There are so many beautiful granfondos in Italy, like the decades-old Nove Colli, the Via del Sale and more.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.