2026 UEC Gran Fondo European Championship Tre Valli Varesine

The 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships will be hosted in Varese, one of Italy’s most renowned cycling regions. At the heart of the event is the prestigious Tre Valli Varesine , one of the oldest cycling classics in the world, traditionally held on a Tuesday in early October and forming part of the historic Trittico Lombardo.

To allow amateur cyclists to experience the same roads and spectacular scenery that have made the professional race famous, organiser SC Alfredo Binda introduced the Granfondo Tre Valli Varesine in 2016, staged on the Sunday preceding the professional classic. The event quickly established itself as one of Italy’s premier granfondo challenges and gained international prominence when Varese successfully hosted the 2018 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships .

Eight years later, the region once again welcomes Europe’s best amateur cyclists as the 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships take place on the roads of the Granfondo Tre Valli Varesine. Riders who qualified through one of the designated qualification events across Europe will compete for the coveted European titles while experiencing the unique cycling heritage, challenging terrain and passionate atmosphere for which Varese has become renowned. The championships represent a new chapter in European granfondo cycling, bringing together national team selections from across the continent in one of cycling’s most historic regions.

The time trial with start and finish at the Varese Ippodromo (horsetrack) is an out-and-back loop of 22km with a first upgoing part towards the turning point in Valganna before coming back towards the Ippodromo. It’s a course for real time trial specialists with a lot of power and straight lines.

The road races of the 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships will start and finish in the heart of Varese on Via Luigi Sacco , taking riders on a spectacular journey through one of Italy’s most beautiful cycling regions.

Leaving the city centre, both routes head north on a gentle 12-kilometre ascent towards the first major challenge of the day: the climb to Alpe Tedesco . Known as the highest and most demanding ascent of the race, this climb offers riders stunning views over the surrounding mountains before a technical descent leads them deeper into the Varese countryside.

The course then follows the scenic shores of Lago di Lugano , the beautiful border lake shared by Italy and Switzerland, before tackling the second climb towards the iconic Madonna di Ardena . From its elevated position, riders are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas across the lake and the surrounding Alpine landscape.

At this point the routes diverge. The Mediofondo (101 km) returns towards Varese via a shorter route, while the Granfondo (126 km) continues through the hills of Montegrino Valtravaglia . Riders then descend towards the shores of majestic Lago Maggiore , one of Italy’s most famous lakes, where the fourth climb of the day, Roggiano-Valtravaglia , awaits.

The two courses rejoin in Mesenzana , where a faster and flatter section offers a brief respite before the final approach. The closing kilometres gradually rise back towards the “Garden City” of Varese, culminating in an exciting finish in the city centre.

The Mediofondo serves as the official championship distance for all men aged 60 and above and women aged 50 and above , while all younger age categories will compete in the Granfondo , ensuring that Europe’s strongest amateur cyclists are tested over a truly demanding championship course.

Combining challenging climbs, technical descents, historic villages and magnificent views over Lago di Lugano , Lago Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, the 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships promise not only a battle for European titles but also an unforgettable cycling experience in one of Italy’s premier cycling destinations.

Nestled between the Alps and some of Northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes, 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships much more than a memorable cycling experience. Known as the “Garden City” for its elegant villas, parks and green landscapes, Varese combines Italian culture, outstanding cuisine and breathtaking natural scenery in a unique setting close to the Swiss border. Riders and their families will find themselves surrounded by picturesque lakes, historic villages and panoramic mountain views, making a visit to Varese an unforgettable sporting and tourist experience.

Entries and full details: trevallivaresine.info/gran-fondo-tre-valli-varesine-uci-world-series