HERO Sdtirol Dolomites 2026 returns to the heart of the DolomitesOne of mountain bikings most revered endurance tests will once again take centre stage this summer as the HERO Sdtirol Dolomites returns for its 16th edition on 13 June 2026. Set against the dramatic limestone spires of the Dolomites, this iconic marathon event continues to define what it means to race long, climb hard and suffer beautifully on a mountain bike.Starting and finishing in Selva Val Gardena at an altitude of 1,564 metres, the HERO Sdtirol Dolomites sits firmly at the top table of global marathon racing. The event is not only renowned for its unforgiving courses and staggering scenery, but also for its role as the fourth round of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup. It is a race that attracts the very best elite athletes while remaining a bucket-list challenge for dedicated amateurs from around the world.A race with true heritageSince its debut in 2010, the HERO Sdtirol Dolomites has built a reputation as one of the toughest mountain bike marathons on the planet. Its difficulty is often measured not just by distance or elevation alone, but by the brutal combination of both. The events kilometres to height metres ratio has long marked it out as a race that demands exceptional fitness, resilience and pacing.That status has only grown in recent years. From 2025 onwards, the race has lent its name to the UCI marathon world cup series, underlining its importance on the international calendar. Looking further ahead, the Dolomites edition has also been selected to host the 2030 Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, a clear statement of trust from the global governing body and further recognition of the events organisational strength.Racing through a UNESCO World Heritage landscapeFew races can boast a setting quite like this. The HERO Sdtirol Dolomites is staged in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area celebrated for its unique geology, cultural history and outdoor sports tradition. Riders pass through the Ladin valleys of Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Val di Fassa, before tackling the wide open spaces of the Seiser Alm plateau.The scenery is more than just a backdrop. Long alpine climbs, exposed ridgelines and technical descents are woven together into routes that demand constant focus. The terrain alternates between flowing sections and punishing gradients, with little opportunity for recovery. It is this relentless rhythm that makes the HERO such a defining challenge.Three routes, one shared ambitionFor 2026, the event offers three distinct courses, each designed to push riders to their limits. Elite men will contest the full marathon distance of 86km with 4,500 metres of climbing, a course that has consistently separated the strongest climbers from the rest. The elite women will race over 60km with 3,200 metres of elevation gain, a route that is shorter on paper but no less demanding in character.Alongside the elite races, the medium course covers 71km and 4,100 metres of ascent. This option opens the HERO experience to a wider field while maintaining the races hallmark difficulty. Across all three routes, riders can expect long climbs, technical trail sections and challenging descents that reward skill as much as power.More than just a raceWhat sets the HERO Sdtirol Dolomites apart is not only the sporting challenge but the sense of occasion that surrounds it. Years of experience since 2010 have created a slick and reliable organisation, while the atmosphere in Selva Val Gardena during race weekend is charged with anticipation and respect for the task ahead.Preparation, stamina and mental strength are essential, whether you are chasing world cup points or simply aiming to reach the finish line. Crossing that line, however, carries a special weight. For many, completing the HERO is as much a personal milestone as it is a result on a timing sheet.As the 2026 edition approaches, the message is clear. The HERO Sdtirol Dolomites remains not only one of the most spectacular mountain bike marathons in the world, but one of the most demanding. In a sport built on pushing limits, few events capture that spirit quite so completely.

Galfer is heading to the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, with a clear message: braking performance is entering a new phase. The brands North American arm, Galfer USA, will be showcasing its latest innovations at Booth P120, including the US debut of the Disc Shark EVO MTB rotor.The Sea Otter Classic has long been a key date in the cycling calendar, blending racing, product launches and industry networking. For Galfer, it provides the perfect stage to demonstrate how decades of braking expertise are being translated into modern systems for mountain, road and gravel riders alike.A full braking ecosystemRather than focusing on a single product, Galfer is presenting what it describes as a complete braking ecosystem. The idea is simple: rotors, pads and accessories are designed together to work as a unified system, delivering predictable braking, strong power and consistent feel across different disciplines and conditions.For off-road riders, including enduro, downhill and e-MTB users, the focus is on durability and heat control under extreme loads. Galfer combines its Disc Shark rotor technology with application-specific pad compounds and dedicated accessories to manage high temperatures on long descents while maintaining reliable stopping power.Road and gravel riders are not left out. Galfer is extending its performance philosophy to endurance and competitive riding, where modulation, weight and thermal stability are just as critical. Lightweight rotor designs and discipline-specific pad compounds aim to deliver smooth control and confidence across long distances and mixed terrain.A key addition here is the new Shark Road rotor, which brings the distinctive Shark design language to road applications. With an emphasis on efficient heat dissipation and precise modulation, it underlines Galfers intention to offer consistent braking characteristics across its entire range.Disc Shark EVO MTB takes centre stageThe headline launch at Sea Otter is the Disc Shark EVO MTB, making its first appearance on US soil. Building on the success of the original Disc Shark rotor, the EVO version has been developed for riders who demand maximum braking performance with minimal compromise.The braking surface has been expanded and refined with a new Shark Track design, increasing pad contact for stronger and more consistent braking. Thermal management has also been a major focus, with optimised fins and venting intended to reduce heat build-up and brake fade on sustained descents.At the core of the rotor sits a CNC-machined 7075-T6 aerospace-grade aluminium carrier, chosen for its stiffness and long-term durability. An optimised semi-rigid connection between the braking track and carrier is designed to ensure precise force transmission at the lever.One of the most distinctive features is the use of an exclusive Kashima coating, offering enhanced wear resistance alongside a premium look. Riders can choose between Original Kashima, Black Anodised and Raw Aluminium finishes. Importantly for the growing e-MTB market, the Disc Shark EVO MTB is fully compatible with e-bike sensor systems.Seventy years of braking heritageGalfers presence at Sea Otter also reflects its long history in braking technology. With more than seventy years of experience, the brand has built its reputation on combining advanced engineering with proven reliability. Galfer USA, based in Orlando, Florida, plays a key role in delivering that expertise to the North American market through product support, technical training and close collaboration with partners and distributors.For visitors to the Sea Otter Classic, Booth P120 offers the chance to see the Disc Shark EVO MTB up close, explore the wider Shark Off-Road range and get hands-on with Galfers road and gravel components. Technical specialists will be on hand to discuss setup, applications and future developments, making it a must-visit stop for riders and industry professionals interested in where braking technology is heading next.

La Stelvio Santini 2026 expands into a full Alpine cycling festivalEarly June 2026 is shaping up to be something special in northern Italy, as La Stelvio Santini evolves from iconic Granfondo into a long weekend celebrating some of the finest riding in the Alps. From 5 to 9 June, Valtellina will host a unique blend of competitive events, traffic free climbing and community rides, all set against the dramatic backdrop of high mountain passes.At the heart of it all sits La Stelvio Santini itself on Sunday 7 June, one of Europes most revered Granfondo events. But this year the organisers have gone further, aligning the event with the Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina initiative to offer riders several days of riding on roads closed to motorised traffic.The result is a cycling focused getaway that combines challenge, atmosphere and accessibility in equal measure.Enjoy Stelvio brings traffic free Alpine classicsThe extended weekend begins on Friday 5 June with the closure of Passo Gavia to vehicles. Long considered one of the most beautiful and demanding climbs in Italian cycling, Gavia offers a wild, high altitude experience and the chance to ride uninterrupted through truly spectacular scenery.Further Enjoy Stelvio closures follow on Monday 8 June, when the panoramic road up to the Cancano Lakes is reserved for cyclists, and on Tuesday 9 June, when the fearsome Passo del Mortirolo takes centre stage. Mortirolo needs little introduction, its brutal gradients having earned it a near mythical status among road cyclists.Riders planning to take advantage of these closures are advised to check timings and route details in advance, as access windows vary by day. Maps and suggested itineraries are available through Valtellinas official tourism channels.Mario Zangrando, event director of La Stelvio Santini, believes the alignment is a natural fit. He describes the Enjoy Stelvio dates as a rare chance for participants to extend their stay and tackle three climbs that have shaped the history of professional road racing without the pressure of traffic.Sunset Ride adds a social gravel flavourFriday evening also brings something a little different. At 6pm, Santini Cycling teams up with Reverb to host the Santini x Reverb Sunset Ride to the Cancano Lakes.Starting from the La Stelvio Santini Expo Village in Bormio, the ride is free to enter and open to cyclists of all abilities. While the roads remain open to traffic, the emphasis is firmly on sociability and experience rather than speed or performance.The reward comes at the top, where riders reach the Cancano Lakes as the sun drops behind the peaks. For those planning to tackle the gravel events later in the weekend, it also offers a useful preview of the terrain and atmosphere of the area.Gravel makes its La Stelvio debutSaturday 6 June marks a major milestone for the event with the first edition of La Stelvio Santini Gravel.Designed to appeal to riders drawn to off road adventure and exploratory riding, the gravel event introduces two routes based in and around Bormio. A shorter 44km option includes 1,400 metres of elevation gain, while the longer 70km route ramps the challenge up to 2,000 metres.Both courses explore dirt roads and alpine tracks in an unspoiled mountain environment, offering a very different perspective on Alta Valtellina compared to the famous tarmac climbs.It is a significant addition to the programme and reflects the growing place of gravel within European cycling culture.Sundays Granfondo remains the main eventSunday is reserved for the classic La Stelvio Santini road Granfondo. With start and finish once again in Bormio, riders can choose between three demanding routes that thread together some of the most famous climbs in the region.Passo dello Stelvio remains the headline ascent, with its endless switchbacks and high altitude drama, joined by routes that also include Mortirolo and Teglio. Each course delivers a serious test, matched by the atmosphere that has made La Stelvio Santini a bucket list event for riders from around the world.More than just a raceBy combining Enjoy Stelvio, gravel riding, social events and its established Granfondo, La Stelvio Santini 2026 positions itself as more than a single day challenge. It becomes a true celebration of cycling in all its forms, rooted firmly in the landscape and culture of Valtellina.For riders seeking legendary climbs, new adventures or simply the freedom of traffic free mountain roads, early June in Alta Valtellina promises to be hard to beat.More details can be found at lastelviosantini.com and valtellina.it.

What Goes on Tour: Tour de France tragedy and family secrets drive new cycling novelRob McIvorCycling fiction is a rare beast, which makes a new novel rooted in the drama and moral complexity of professional road racing all the more intriguing. What Goes on Tour, the latest book from British author and long distance cyclist Rob McIvor, uses the Tour de France not simply as a backdrop but as a central force in a story shaped by ambition, danger and unanswered questions.Set against the heat and pressure of the 1977 Tour, the novel opens with Harry Chatham on the brink of doing what no British rider has ever achieved. He is poised to win the Tour de France, riding strongly in the high mountains, when a crash on a twisting descent ends his life. His death is recorded as a tragic accident and, in time, his name slips quietly into the footnotes of cycling history.Decades later, his son Jim begins to ask questions. Only after his mothers death does Jim learn the truth about his parentage and the identity of a father he never knew. What starts as a personal search for answers quickly turns into something far more unsettling. As Jim digs into archive reports, long buried memories and the testimony of those who rode and managed in that era, he is drawn into the shadowy edge of 1970s professional cycling.McIvor uses this dual timeline effectively, moving between the brutal immediacy of Tour racing and the slower, emotionally charged process of investigation years later. Readers who know the sport will recognise the atmosphere of the period. This was an era before marginal gains and glossy bus setups, when mountain descents were raced on suspect roads, medical supervision was loose by modern standards and loyalty within teams could be a matter of survival.At the heart of the book is a single, uncomfortable question. Was Harry Chathams death really an accident? The evidence Jim uncovers points towards something far more troubling, a truth that, if exposed, might finally clear his fathers name but at significant personal cost. McIvor resists easy answers and instead explores how ambition, fear and silence can shape lives long after the finish line has been crossed.Cycling is portrayed not as a romanticised escape but as a complex professional environment, what McIvor has described as chess on wheels. The tactics, alliances and rivalries of the peloton are carefully woven into the narrative, giving the novel an authenticity that will resonate with experienced riders and fans alike. There is a clear sense that the author understands endurance sport from the inside.That credibility is no accident. Before turning to fiction, McIvor built a career in journalism and corporate affairs, and he brings a reporters instinct for detail to the page. He is also an accomplished endurance cyclist, having completed ParisBrestParis and LondonEdinburghLondon several times, and has served as a director of Audax UK. That lived experience shows in the way physical suffering and mental resilience are described, particularly in scenes set high in the mountains.What Goes on TourThe inspiration for the novel came, appropriately, on a climb. McIvor has spoken about thinking of Dutch rider Wim Van Est while riding the Col de Tourmalet, recalling Van Ests miraculous survival after plunging into a ravine during the 1951 Tour. It is a reminder of how fine the margins have always been in road racing and how easily legend and tragedy can intersect.Despite the dramatic subject matter, What Goes on Tour is as much about family and memory as it is about cycling. Jims investigation forces him to confront uncomfortable truths about those closest to him and to decide whether some secrets are best left untouched. That tension gives the book emotional weight and lifts it beyond a simple sporting mystery.With a release date of 28 May 2026, the novel arrives at a moment when British interest in the Tour de France is once again on the rise. McIvor has said he hopes the story might also encourage readers to watch the race when it passes through Lancashire next year, connecting fiction, history and the ongoing pull of the Tour itself.For cycling readers looking for something different from training manuals and biographies, What Goes on Tour offers a rare blend of suspense, moral dilemma and deep affection for the sport. It understands that behind every result sheet lies a human story, and sometimes, those stories refuse to stay buried.

Gravel One FiftyUCI Gravel World Championships qualifying points, a refreshed 150km course and a field of 1,500 riders from 15 nations set the scene for a major day of racing in the Netherlands.Roden will once again host one of the Netherlands standout gravel events on Saturday 25 April, when the Gravel One Fifty returns for its fifth edition. Start and finish are based on the Brink in Roden, where the race will also serve as an official qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships, due to take place later this year in Australia.From 8.00am, around 1,500 riders are expected to roll out from the town centre, with competitors travelling from 15 different countries. The field brings together elite racers and committed amateurs, a mix that has become one of gravel racings defining features and a key part of this events appeal.For the 2026 edition, organisers have introduced a revised course layout for the headline 150km distance. Rather than one extended point-to-point style route, riders will now tackle two laps of roughly 70 kilometres, followed by a short opening section and a run back into the finish. The change has been made to reduce pressure on the surrounding region, create a more manageable race operation and make the course easier to oversee, while keeping the rider and spectator experience intact.That balance between sporting ambition and local sustainability sits at the heart of the event. Gravel One Fifty has grown quickly in five years, but the organisers are clearly focused on ensuring the race remains workable for the host area as well as attractive to riders chasing results, qualification and a memorable day out on mixed terrain.Behind the scenes, the scale of the operation is significant. More than 200 volunteers will be deployed on and around the course, taking on roles that include traffic management and staffing feed stations. Many of those volunteers come from local clubs and associations, including WTC Roden, NOAD and Kamrad, underlining how closely the event is tied to the community around it.Johan Wekema, director of Enforce Sport Events, said the race has become something both the organisation and the wider region can be proud of. He also pointed to the presence of international front-runners alongside recreational riders as proof of gravels strength, adding that the updated course should help future-proof the event without losing the atmosphere that has helped it build a following.For spectators, the Brink remains the focal point of the day. Despite the course change, the finish area will once again be the place where the event comes alive, with fans encouraged to line the barriers and welcome riders home. The first finishers are expected from around 12.00pm, which should make for an intense finale as the fastest riders race for qualification and the rest of the field pours in behind them.As anniversary editions go, this one has all the ingredients of a strong gravel showcase: an international field, world championship implications, a more streamlined course and deep local backing. For Roden, it promises another big day on the calendar. For the riders, it is a shot at a world-level target on a course designed to keep the racing sharp and the atmosphere high.

Italian brand Fantic Bikes is set to pull the covers off its new 2026 electric mountain bike line-up at Bike Festival Riva del GardaWith fresh Trail and All Mountain platforms debuting in early May and a new Enduro platform due later in the year.Fantic bikes says the launch marks a major step in its development as it looks to strengthen its standing in the fast-moving e-MTB market. Central to that push is a new strategic partnership with Bosch, whose drive systems will feature on the first wave of the brands 2026 bikes. Fantic believes the collaboration will raise the bar for performance, reliability and overall technical capability across its range.The first public showing will take place at Bike Festival Riva del Garda, running from 1 to 3 May, where visitors will get an early look at Fantics new Trail and All Mountain platforms. The Italian brand has also confirmed that its upcoming Enduro platform will be revealed in September, completing the core of the 2026 e-MTB line-up.From a product perspective, the Bosch deal is the headline move. Fantic describes Bosch as a global leader in e-bike drive systems and sees the partnership as a significant strategic evolution for the brand. In practical terms, that should mean access to some of the most advanced motor systems available, with the aim of delivering bikes that better meet the expectations of serious off-road riders.Nicola Baggio, General Manager Bike at Fantic Motor, says the new range represents a decisive move forward for the company. He says the Bosch partnership not only lifts the brands bikes in terms of performance and technology, but should also support Fantics growth across European markets while strengthening after-sales support for dealers.For riders and retailers alike, that last point could be just as important as the bikes themselves. Strong dealer support and a dependable service network are key factors in the e-bike category, particularly as systems become more sophisticated and customers expect quick, reliable backup. Fantic appears keen to position this launch as more than a model refresh, presenting it instead as a broader statement of intent for the next phase of its bike business.The reveal at Riva del Garda is also a fitting stage for the announcement. The event is described by Fantic as one of the most important dates on the international off-road cycling calendar, giving the brand a high-profile opportunity to introduce its next generation of bikes to media, trade and enthusiasts in one of mountain bikings best-known festival settings. Fantic has scheduled the official unveiling of the new Trail and All Mountain platforms for Friday 1 May at 3:30pm at its stand.Fantics move into e-MTB is built on a longer heritage within the wider Fantic Motor business. Founded in 1968, the company first made its name in motorcycles, becoming known for models such as the Caballero. Its dedicated bike business unit was launched in 2015, bringing that mix of performance focus, Italian design and racing-inspired thinking into the world of electric mountain bikes.Taken together, the message is clear. Fantic wants the 2026 range to signal a more ambitious era for the brand, one built around updated platforms, recognised technology partners and a stronger foothold in the European e-MTB market. If the new bikes deliver on that promise, Fantic could become an even more prominent name in a category that remains one of the most competitive and innovative areas of cycling.

Decathlon offers cash for old bikes in expanded BuyBack schemeDecathlon is expanding its UK BuyBack service for 2026, giving cyclists a new way to trade in unwanted or outgrown bikes for money paid by bank transfer, often within an hour. The retailer says riders can also choose store credit instead, with trade in values reaching as much as 45 per cent of the bikes original retail price after assessment.The headline change for this year is a one hour bank transfer option, which means riders no longer have to take payment solely as credit. For cyclists planning their next upgrade, that could make the process much more appealing, especially if an old hybrid, kids bike or commuter has been sitting unused in the garage. Decathlon says customers can first use an online quick quote tool to get an estimated value before heading into a UK store for a full assessment.The scheme is not limited to Decathlon bikes. The company says it will accept all brands, from major names such as Specialized and Trek to bikes bought from local independent shops, as long as the customer is a Decathlon member at the time of exchange. Membership is free, and the in store assessment is designed to turn unwanted kit into cash quickly.There is also an Easter incentive for riders who prefer credit over cash. Decathlon says customers choosing a gift card will receive an extra 20 per cent on top of their trade in value from 23 March until 12 April. On top of that, every customer completing a buyback in store over the Easter weekend will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five 1,000 Decathlon vouchers.For cyclists, the timing makes sense. Spring is when many riders start thinking seriously about replacing an old bike, upgrading family bikes before summer, or clearing out equipment that is no longer being used. Decathlon says interest in bike buy backs has risen sharply, with searches in the last year increasing by as much as 300 per cent as commuters and families look for more cost effective ways to refresh their gear.There is also a sustainability angle. Decathlon says returned products are serviced and refurbished by its experts before being resold through its Second Life range at a reduced price. The wider BuyBack programme covers equipment from up to 15 sports, and the company says more than 10,000 items have been bought back since the service launched in 2023. The aim is to reduce waste, extend product life and make sport more accessible through lower priced refurbished kit.Chris Allen, Sustainability Leader at Decathlon UK, said the updated service is designed to help both customers and the environment by turning unused bikes into instant value. He added that the new bank transfer option and Easter bonuses are intended to give riders more flexibility when trading in old gear for new adventures.For anyone weighing up whether to sell privately or trade in, Decathlons pitch is clearly convenience. You may not get the top end price that a well marketed private sale could bring, but a fast assessment, quick payment and no need to deal with listings or haggling will appeal to plenty of riders. For families with childrens bikes to move on, or commuters with an older bike gathering dust, that simplicity could be the biggest selling point of all.

GRVL buries two jerseys for two years to show what happens after the rideA simple side by side test from the Hertfordshire brand puts the spotlight on one of cycling kits biggest sustainability questions: what happens when performance apparel reaches the end of its life?GRVL has released the results of a two-year burial test designed to compare how natural and synthetic cycling garments break down over time. The sustainable gravel apparel brand buried two tops in March 2024: its own Merino Wool and TENCEL T-Shirt, and a conventional synthetic cycling jersey made from plastic-based fibres. Both were placed underground in the same conditions and left until March 2026.When the garments were dug up, the difference was stark. According to GRVL, its natural fibre jersey had largely biodegraded and returned to the earth, while the synthetic jersey remained structurally intact and still wearable, showing almost no meaningful signs of decomposition.For riders, the message is a clear one. Cycling kit is often judged on performance while it is being worn, with brands talking up breathability, moisture management and durability. GRVLs experiment asks a different question: what happens once that kit has finally reached the end of the road? The brand says the answer matters, particularly in a sport that prides itself on a close connection with the outdoors.The test also touches on a wider issue across cycling and the apparel industry. Synthetic fabrics dominate performance clothing because they are hard-wearing and versatile, but they are also plastic-based and can persist for years after disposal. GRVL argues that material choice should be part of the sustainability conversation from the start, not treated as an afterthought once a garment is no longer usable.At the centre of the brands pitch is its use of a proprietary blend of Merino Wool and TENCEL Lyocell. GRVL says these fibres deliver the breathability and temperature regulation riders expect from technical kit, while also offering biodegradability. The company frames that as an alternative to the fast fashion cycle that increasingly affects sportswear, instead pushing a slower model based on longevity, lower consumption and more responsible production.Production is another part of the story. GRVL says its garments are made in Portugal using renewable energy and certified processes, with the aim of combining performance with a lower environmental footprint. The burial test is intended not just as a piece of brand storytelling, but as a prompt for the wider cycling community to think more carefully about what kit is made from and where it ends up.In a market crowded with claims around sustainability, GRVLs approach stands out because it is tangible and easy to grasp. Bury two jerseys, wait two years, then see what is left. It is not a laboratory trial or a marketing slogan, but a real-world comparison that makes the afterlife of cycling apparel difficult to ignore.Whether this kind of test changes buying habits remains to be seen, but it does land on an important point. If cycling wants to present itself as a sport rooted in the landscapes it rides through, then the industrys material choices matter. GRVLs buried jersey experiment is a reminder that performance should not only be measured on the bike, but also by the footprint a garment leaves behind.

Emilia-Romagna Bike Trail 2026 set out to link Bologna and Riccione in a four-route bikepacking adventureFrom the porticoes of Bologna to the Adriatic coast at Riccione, the seventh edition of the Emilia-Romagna Bike Trail was presented as a non-competitive bikepacking event built around freedom, exploration and long days in the saddle. Riders were given four distinct routes, ranging from a largely flat gravel journey to a demanding mountain crossing through the Romagna Apennines.The 2026 edition was scheduled to begin on Friday 1 May from the Bologna Easy Camping Village, with the finish based at the Riccione Easy Camping Village. Organisers said the event had been designed to showcase Emilia-Romagna through hill trails, gravel roads, lagoon landscapes and historic towns, before delivering riders to the sea. It remained a non-competitive ride, with no clock and no time limit, so participants were free to decide their own pace, stops and overall approach.That sense of autonomy sat at the heart of the event. Riders were able to choose from four GPX routes, each shaped around a different style of riding and level of challenge. The Classic route stretched to 260km with 4,050m of climbing and was pitched as a modern gravel ride linking some of Romagnas most attractive towns via rideable climbs and mixed terrain. The Flat route covered 280km with only 500m of elevation gain, taking in gravel tracks, wetlands and natural oasis areas on a course where, as the organisers put it, the only real climbs were the flyovers.For those who preferred tarmac and long mountain roads, the Road route ran to 400km and packed in 7,500m of ascent, following only paved roads while passing over some of the areas best-known climbs. At the sharp end of the event sat the Adventure route, a 390km test with 8,900m of elevation gain that crossed the Romagna Apennines and was intended for riders looking for a true trail experience on mountain bikes. Taken together, the four options gave the event a broad appeal, from first-time bikepackers to seasoned ultra-distance riders.The route out of Bologna was set to include two of the citys most recognisable landmarks, Piazza Maggiore and the climb to the Sanctuary of San Luca, before the trails and roads unfolded across the region. A refreshment stop was planned in Castel San Pietro Terme, where riders would have been served lunch featuring local produce. At the finish in Riccione, participants were due to be welcomed with a craft beer supplied by a sponsor, a suitably relaxed end to a ride that leaned heavily into the social side of endurance cycling.Practicality also seemed to have been carefully considered. A return gravel track was included for all entrants, giving riders the option of cycling back on flatter paths, while regular train links between Bologna and Riccione offered a simpler journey home for those who had emptied the tank on the way to the coast. Each rider also received a map on which checkpoint stamps could be collected, adding a low-key brevet feel to the weekend and leaving participants with a souvenir of the ride. Base camps and checkpoints were positioned as useful recovery points where riders could rest, eat, wash and regroup before heading back out.Accommodation and bivvy options were spread sensibly across the courses. On the Classic route, riders could stop at the Zappi Cycling Hotel in Riolo Terme, Rio del Sol near Forl, or a covered bivouac at Bertinoros Welcome Room. The Adventure and Road routes shared some of the same infrastructure, including Riolo Terme, while also offering indoor overnight options at the sports hall in Tredozio and the municipal gym in San Piero in Bagno. On the Flat route, the overnight choices included Agriturismo Prato Pozzo near Argenta and the Spina Family Collection at Lido di Spina.The event was organised by Regaz della Polisportiva Villafontana in collaboration with the municipalities of Medicina, Riccione, Tredozio, Bertinoro and Castel San Pietro Terme, with support from the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Metropolitan City of Bologna and the Nuovo Circondario Imolese. That backing reflected the events wider purpose, which went beyond pure riding and into the promotion of slow tourism, local food culture and lesser-known corners of the region. The messaging from organisers and public bodies consistently pointed to the same idea: this was not simply a start-to-finish challenge, but a moving postcard of Emilia-Romagna.A central figure behind the event was founder Stefano Romualdi, described in the press material as an internationally recognised ultra-distance bikepacker. The release noted that he held the best Italian performance on the Tour Divide and had also posted notable results on other major off-road ultras, including an 11th-place finish at the 2023 Atlas Mountain Race and a top-10 placing at the 2025 Fat Viking Race in Norway. His background helped explain the events dual character: accessible on the surface, but rooted in a deep understanding of what long-distance riders actually needed from a trail.In the end, the Emilia-Romagna Bike Trail 2026 looked to have offered a smart mix of challenge and inclusivity. It promised iconic road climbs, remote gravel sectors, practical logistics and a finish by the sea, all without the pressure of a stopwatch. For a cycling audience increasingly drawn to self-supported riding and meaningful travel, it read like the sort of event that understood exactly why bikepacking had captured the imagination.

RODA brought lift-assisted Dolomites riding to a wider audienceFunActive Tours unveiled RODA as a new way to explore the Dolomites by mountain bike, combining classic Alpine scenery with summer lift access, luggage transfers and route options that suited everyone from first-time riders to experienced off-road travellers.Developed by FunActive Tours in collaboration with Dolomiti Supersummer, the project centred on travel packages that ran from June to October, matching the opening period of the lifts. The concept was simple but smart. Riders were able to use uplift to tackle the biggest ascents, link valleys more efficiently and spend more of their time on the trails rather than grinding out long climbs.That approach opened up some of the Dolomites best-known riding territory. The itineraries passed through headline destinations including Val Gardena, Cortina dAmpezzo, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Sella Group, turning an area best known for winter skiing into a summer playground for mountain biking. The appeal lay not just in the scenery, but in the ease with which riders were able to move between iconic locations across one trip.FunActive Tours built the packages around the needs of travelling cyclists. Luggage was transferred from hotel to hotel, allowing riders to focus on the riding itself rather than the logistics. The operator also offered MTB and e-bike hire, GPS tracks, a dedicated app for route guidance, technical assistance and support from local expert guides. It was a fully managed format aimed at people who wanted an active holiday without sacrificing organisation or comfort.One of RODAs strongest selling points was its flexibility. The packages were offered in three accommodation levels. Basic gave riders a simpler, more affordable base with essential services. Superior added greater comfort, with 3-star hotels and extra cyclist-friendly facilities. Luxury took things up a notch with 4 or 5-star accommodation and more exclusive hospitality for those who wanted to pair big mountain riding with a more premium stay. Half-board could also be added across the range.Crucially, the trips were not limited to hardcore mountain bikers. FunActive Tours positioned RODA for couples, families and groups of friends as well as solo riders, and the availability of e-bikes and modular route options made the experience more accessible for beginners. That broader appeal felt important. The Dolomites remained a dream destination, but RODA appeared to lower the barrier to entry and make multi-day mountain biking in the Alps feel realistic for a far wider audience.The project also reflected FunActive Tours long-standing expertise in cycling holidays. The Italian operator had spent more than 20 years creating bike travel packages across Europe and beyond, with hotel bookings, luggage transfers, bike hire and return transfers all handled as part of the service. Within that context, RODA looked like a natural extension of the brands established formula, adapted for mountain biking and shaped around the lift network of Dolomiti Supersummer.In practical terms, RODA presented the Dolomites as a place that could now be experienced in summer with the same sense of scale and spectacle that skiers associated with the colder months. Only this time, the adventure unfolded on two wheels. For riders keen to mix serious scenery with a well-supported point-to-point journey, the concept stood out as one of the more interesting mountain bike holiday ideas to emerge from the region.