BGY Airport Granfondo: the climbers’ challenge in the Eugenio Mercorio Uphill Time Trial

On Sunday, May 10, the special timed uphill challenge from Nembro to Selvino returns, in memory of a great friend of the Granfondo.

 

The climb from Nembro to Selvino is the most iconic and representative section of the BGY Airport Granfondo, the international cycling event scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Bergamo, under the auspices of the Italian Cycling Federation.

Known as the “climb of champions,” this route pays tribute to the history of cycling in the Bergamo area: each of its 19 hairpin bends is dedicated to a local champion who has left a mark on the sport. Despite not reaching high altitude, the Selvino climb is among the most scenic in Lombardy, thanks to its sequence of panoramic switchbacks and the sparse vegetation in the final section, offering breathtaking views over the valley.

The gradient is steady and never excessively steep, making it suitable both for strong rouleurs and for riders who are not pure climbers. However, two sections present more demanding gradients: at km 0.7 with a 9.5% slope, and at km 4.3 with a peak of 10%.

For the past thirteen years, on the day of the Granfondo, this climb has been dedicated to the memory of Eugenio Mercorio, a chartered accountant and passionate cyclist. Respected for his professionalism and loved for his human qualities, Mercorio shared his passion for cycling with many friends, riding along these roads and across the Bergamo mountains.

The “Cronoscalata Eugenio Mercorio” is named in his honor – a true race within the race – where participants compete on this iconic segment. The course record is held by former professional rider Manuel Senni, who in the 2022 edition stopped the clock at 25’21”8.

PRESS CONFERENCE ON APRIL 9

The official presentation of the 28th edition of the BGY Airport Granfondo and the Eugenio Mercorio Memorial will take place tomorrow, Thursday, April 9. The press conference will be hosted in the Sala Traini at Banco BPM headquarters, located in Via San Francesco d’Assisi in Bergamo, starting at 5:00 PM. Attendance is by invitation only.

 

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.