9-13 April 2026

COLNAGO CYCLING FESTIVAL

CYCLE COMPLETELY AROUND LAKE GARDA

Circling Italy’s largest lake is the goal of every Garda cyclist, and Colnago’s Friday randonnee is the chance to circle  in style. The 200km route follows the lake north along the dramatic west side cliffs, then returns through the east side Adige River gorge, with its picturesque towns, vineyards, and mountain forts on both sides.  The 140km route hugs the lake shore, with spectacular views and less climbing.

YOUR CHOICE OF COLNAGO GRANFONDO, MEDIOFONDO, OR LE BELLEZZE DI D’ANNUNZIO

All three Sunday rides begin in beautiful lakeside Desenzano and offer different experiences. The Granfondo challenges with a 140 km course and 2010 m of climbing while circling through the quiet western mountains.  The Medio, at 108 km/1384 features the panoramas of the quiet San Michele climb before returning to Desenzano, while the shortest course, Le Bellezze di D’Annunzio, celebrates your success on top of San Michele before a return by van. 

OUTSTANDING ACCOMMODATIONS CLOSE TO THE FESTIVAL

Enjoy the benefits of the Garda Bike Hotel Cycling program a short distance from Desenzano.  In addition to four star accommodations, cuisine popular with cyclists, and the warm camaraderie of cyclists from all over the world, you will enjoy transportation for you and your bike to and from the festival, mechanic services, and all the van support possible during the event.

EXPLORE MORE OF GARDA

Add additional days to your stay at the Garda Bike Hotel before or after the Colnago Festival and explore all the region has to offer, including the Valpolicella wine country, Verona, the historic Morainic Hills, and other spectacular rides of the region.  Experienced Italian guides lead four levels of group rides each day, from relaxed Leisure to challenging Epic levels, with routes designed to showcase the incredible scenery and culture of the region.  

CYCLING SERVICES
  • Experienced local Italian guides
  • Daily rides with our guides
  • Daily laundry service for your bike clothing
  • Transportation to the race start and from the finish line to the Hotel.
EVENT ENTRY
  • GOLD entry to the Granfondo Colnago on Sunday (limited spots available)
  • entry to the Randonnée on Friday
PINARELLO BIKE RENTAL

Pinarello bikes rental available at extra cost. Here our Pinarello bikes fleet available

CYCLING GEAR
  • Kit Castelli: jersey, wind vest and socks
  • 2 water bottles
  • Rear lights, computer mount for Garmin or Wahoo, Shimano SPD pedals (if needed)
  • Kask Protone Helmet rental – safe, hygenic, clean (available extra cost)
ACCOMMODATIONS
  • Single or twin shared accommodations in one of our hotel rooms in Hotel (we also have Jacuzzi Suites upon request).
  • Apartment in our Hatelier Garda Home (apartments 150 meters from the Hotel).
DINING
  • Breakfast Buffet
  • Lunch in hotel restaurant except 2 lunches in local restaurants
  • Dinner in hotel restaurant and 1 dinner at a winery. (Sunday dinner is NOT included)
  • Free bottled water during the meals.
  • Water and energy drinksbananasbars and sandwiches for daily rides.
PROGRAM FOR NON-CYCLISTS
  • Non-cyclists always enjoy breakfast, dinner and after-ride special activities with cycling partner
  • Our knowledgeable reception staff can provide all the information necessary for day trips to nearby Verona, Venezia, Mantova, Milano, Padova, spas, wineries, museums and other features of interest
TRANSFERS
  • Transfer with our driver and minivan from and to Verona “Valerio Catullo” airport (available from 8 am to 8 pm) included with prior arrangement. At extra cost we can arrange private transfer to all the major airports of northern Italy (Milano – Venice – Bergamo)
  • Transportation to the race start and from the finish line to the Hotel.
INSURANCE

Cancellation – Assistance – Medical expense Reimbursement – Luggage Insurance. For more info click here

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

PRIVATE TRANSFER TO MILANO – VENICE AIRPORTS
We can arrange private transfer to all the major airports of northern Italy (Milano – Venice – Bergamo)

SINGLE ROOM
If you would prefer to stay in a single room, please let us know

MASSAGE
Massage Area with masseur and physiotherapist available with prior arrangement.

EXTRA BENEFITS MAKE THIS OFFER OUTSTANDING

TOP-OF-THE-LINE PINARELLO BICYCLE RENTAL

Make your experience even more extraordinary by enjoying the latest models of the Pinarello Dogma F super fast road bike, the Pinarello Dogma X, designed for both speed and comfort, or the Grevil, Pinarello’s high performance all-purpose bike.  As an official Pinarello rental center, we have over 80 bikes, with one perfect for you

OUR LOCAL EXPERTS DO THE WORK

Our multilingual staff makes all the arrangements and manage the logistics so you can focus on your riding.  Rest easy knowing that you are registered, will be at the start with a fine-tuned bicycle, and that we will do everything we can to make your experience effortless – we even do your cycling laundry!  Enjoy a true vacation.

HASSLE-FREE EXPO VISIT

Visit the Festival Expo without worrying about navigation, traffic or parking.  We’ll get you to the expo so you have the time and energy to explore, learn, and shop.

EXPERT PRE-EVENT RIDE

Our guides regularly ride Grandfondos, and will make sure you have an appropriate ride the day before to prepare you for the challenge ahead.  In addition to taking you on a beautiful route, they will share their nutrition tips and riding strategies for distance riding.

DAILY PROGRAM

DAY 1 – Thursday, April 9

Arrival, welcome and briefing.  Once you arrive, you’ll have a chance to settle in and then have your bike fitting and a bike review on shifters, braking, riding in Italy, etc. You’ll receive your kit and water bottles and tour the Bike Room, where you’ll conveniently store your gear and find water, cycling food, and electrolytes

DAY 2 – Friday, April 10: Randonnée del Lago di Garda


2 choice of Randonnée del Lago di Garda

– The Super Classic “Giro del Lago”: 147 km with 825 m of elevation gain.
– The Tough Long Version: 210 km with 2,100 m of elevation gain.

A French-style start allows you to begin at your own pace and enjoy the journey around stunning Garda Lake.  Our van support and guides will have you there on time and ready to go.

DAY 3 – Saturday, April 11


Easy Ride on the Morainic Hills
– A gentle ride through the scenic Morainic Hills, perfect for shaking out the legs before race day.
Bib Collection in Desenzano for Sunday’s event.
– Visit the Expo Area to explore the latest in cycling gear, accessories, and innovations.

DAY 4 – Sunday, April 12: Granfondo and Mediofondo Colnago

– 7:00 AM: Entry to starting grids opens.
– 7:30 AM: Official start of the Granfondo, Mediofondo, and the new “Le Bellezze del D’Annunzio” cicloturistica.

Routes Available
– Gran Fondo (Long Course): 140 km, 2,010 m elevation gain.
– Medio Fondo (Medium Course): 108 km, 1,384 m elevation gain.
– Corto (Short Course): 40 km, 690 m elevation gain.

DAY 5 – Monday, April 13


After breakfast, say goodbye to the stunning Garda region.
Optional: Take time for a final ride or simply enjoy the peaceful lakeside ambiance before your departure.

RECOMMENDED CYCLING LEVEL

We welcome guests of any cycling ability and do our best to accommodate them in all the Garda Bike Hotel tours. 

In our experience, you will enjoy this challenging program if you are an experienced road cyclist who seeks steep climbs, technical descents, and long days on the bike with other accomplished cyclists.

PINARELLO RENTAL
BIKES


DOGMA
F DISK

The best of the best; a top-level bike, the same used by the pro team Ineos / Granadier.

  • Size available: from 43 to 58
  • Group set: Shimano DURA-ACE R9270 Di2 – 12 speed electronic, hydraulic disc brakes, Chainrings DURA ACE 34 / 50, Cassette 11 / 34
  • Tires: Pirelli 30 mm

The DOGMA is a high-performance race bike with aggressive geometry. This bike is recommended for high level athletes who regularly ride high performance race bikes and are accustomed to the leaned over and low position, as well as the snappy handling, of this race bike.


DOGMA
X DISK

Top of the line road bike, with a frame designed for the endurance.

  • Size available: from 43 to 60
  • Group set:  Shimano DURA-ACE R9270 Di2 – 12 speed electronic, hydraulic disc brakes, Chainrings DURA ACE 34 / 50, Cassette 11 / 34
  • Tires: Pirelli P27 – 32mm

The new Pinarello Dogma X is a top of the line Pinarello road bike, with a frame designed for endurance and therefore more comfortable than the Dogma F, but still designed to be a high performing bike.

Contact us and
request more info

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    book a call with our Bike Manager