BGY Airport Granfondo celebrates 30 years of history: from 1996 to 2026, a legacy of sport, passion and territory

From 4 May 1996 to today, one of the longest-running stories in Italian amateur cycling. New event on Sunday, 10 May 2026. 

In 2026, the BGY Airport Granfondo will reach a prestigious milestone: thirty years since its first edition, held on May 4, 1996. Three decades of sport, passion and commitment that have made the Bergamo Granfondo one of the most recognised and respected events in Italian amateur cycling, deeply rooted in its territory and community.

Over these thirty years, the event has experienced unforgettable moments that have become part of a shared heritage, proudly preserved by the organisation.

Key moments in 30 years of Granfondo history

• 2005 – The 10th edition, marked by the presence at the start line of Felice Gimondi and Eddy Merckx. An emotional and intense eve of the race, rich in memories and meaning, still considered one of the most iconic moments in the event’s history.
• 2007 – Participation record, with 4,860 riders, a figure that definitively confirmed the Granfondo’s role on the International amateur cycling scene.
• 2013 – Three forced stops, following the denial by the Province of Bergamo, representing one of the most challenging phases in the history of the event.
• 2019 – The historic snowfall, a true test of strength for organisers and participants. Thanks to extraordinary cooperation, the emergency was managed successfully, with two buses organised in just 60 minutes to transport riders to Selvino, ensuring the event could continue safely.
• 2020 and 2021 – The pandemic years, which led to two further stops due to Covid-19, faced with responsibility and a strong determination to restart.
• Recent evolution, marked by the new name BGY Airport Granfondo, introduced to further enhance the bond with the territory and to celebrate an exceptional year for Bergamo as Italian Capital of Culture, strengthening relationships with institutions and local excellence.

A unique sporting and human heritage

From 1996 to today, the Granfondo has brought 98,041 cyclists onto the roads of Bergamo, with 75,911 finishers across all editions held so far. Among them are great champions, as well as leading figures from the worlds of business, sport and entertainment.

A special mention goes to the “14 Ever-Present Riders”, cyclists who, over 27 editions, have consistently lined up at both the start and the finish, symbolising loyalty and true passion.

Preserving 30 years of memory

One of the distinctive elements of the event is the care of its historical archive: a unique collection of jerseys, trophies, medals, magazines, posters, stamps, philatelic cancellations, images and documents, carefully preserved over time. A living memory that tells the story of thirty years of dedication and organisational commitment.

Sport and solidarity

Since 1996, the Bergamo-based organisation has donated over €139,000 to charity, supporting numerous local associations, including Amici del Cuore di Torre Boldone, CEVSI Foundation, Agenha, My Name Is Help, SIMBA – Behçet’s Syndrome and Disease, Amici della Pediatria, Associazione Disabili Bergamaschi, Spazio Autismo Bergamo, L’Impronta Social Cooperative and Amici di Francesco.

Looking ahead

Since its inception, the Granfondo has grown thanks to passion, professionalism and determination. Obstacles “as high as Everest” have been overcome thanks to the spirit that has always defined the event and the people behind it.

Thirty years after 1996, the message is clear: if we had to start all over again, we would do everything exactly the same way. With the same enthusiasm, the same seriousness and the same desire to create emotions.

The Granfondo story continues. And the future is already racing.