Unveiled: 2026 Edition of the BGY Airport Granfondo
On Sunday, May 10, Bergamo will host the prestigious international amateur cycling event, officially presented today in the Sala Traini at Banco BPM’s Bergamo headquarters.
One month ahead of the event, which will once again bring color and excitement to the city of Bergamo, the 2026 edition of the BGY Airport Granfondo was officially unveiled today at Banco BPM.
This renowned international amateur race, now in its 28th edition, brings thousands of cyclists from all over the world to the roads of Bergamo and its province. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, with both start and finish located in Via Marzabotto, near the Stadium and the Lazzaretto of Bergamo. The Lazzaretto will already be active from the day before, hosting all preliminary operations, including race pack collection and the opening of the ExpoVillage.
Among the speakers at the presentation were: Fabrizio Zambetti (Head of the Bergamo Brescia Lario Territorial Directorate of Banco BPM), Giovanni Sanga (President of SACBO Spa), Claudia Terzi (Regional Minister for Infrastructure and Public Works of Regione Lombardia), Marcella Messina (Councillor for Sport of the Municipality of Bergamo), Claudio Bolandrini (Councillor of the Province of Bergamo), Giovanni Zambonelli (President of the Bergamo Chamber of Commerce), Roberto Perico (Banco BPM), and event organizer Giuseppe Manenti (G.M.S.).
One of the key strengths of the BGY Airport Granfondo, highlighted during the presentation, is its strategic location thanks to its proximity to Milan Bergamo Airport, which is easily accessible both domestically and internationally, encouraging strong global participation. Additional strengths include the high level of organization, built on years of experience and widely recognized excellence, and a strong focus on safety. Finally, but equally important, are the stunning landscapes and scenic routes offered by Bergamo and its valleys. All these elements have firmly established the BGY Airport Granfondo as one of the leading amateur cycling events on the international stage.
Other highlights presented included the official jersey “Segni Fondamentali”, an exclusive collectible designed by Santini Cycling; the bronze artwork prize “Sogni in volo” by Maestro Rando; the collaboration with Fondazione Creberg; and the promotion of works by Bergamo-based artist Andrea Mastrovito. There was also a technical focus on the Nembro-Selvino uphill time trial and an emotional tribute to the late Eugenio Mercorio.
SCHEDULE
On the eve of the race, Saturday, May 9, the Lazzaretto of Bergamo will open its doors (from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM) to thousands of cyclists and enthusiasts arriving in the city, offering race pack collection as well as entertainment and refreshment areas.
On Sunday, May 10, Via Marzabotto will once again come alive, marking the start of the BGY Airport Granfondo 2026 festivities.
Starting grids will open from 6:10 AM to 6:50 AM.
The first starting wave and the race will begin at 7:00 AM.
THE THREE ROUTES
The three routes are designed to suit all types of cyclists and levels of preparation:
- Short route: 91 km (1,400 m elevation gain)
- Medium route: 130 km (2,100 m elevation gain)
- Long route: 148 km (2,800 m elevation gain)
Participants will ride through 6 valleys (Val Cavallina, Val Seriana, Val Serina, Val Brembana, Val Taleggio, Valle Imagna) and nearly 40 municipalities.
THE NUMBERS
Registrations remain open until April 18. At present, nearly 2,000 participants have already signed up, and the most optimistic projections suggest over 3,000 cyclists at the start line. However, the current global situation and rising costs present challenges.
So far, riders from 20 different nationalities have registered. Italy leads in numbers, followed by Switzerland, with Great Britain and Germany tied. Participation extends beyond Europe, with athletes from four continents: Asia (including 6 riders from the Philippines), Africa (Ghana and Egypt), and the Americas (Canada).
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE
Registration is available via the official event website at www.granfondobgy.it, or at the GMS offices located at Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo (tel. +39 035 211721).
Registration deadline: Saturday, April 18, 2026.
