2027 GF Squali & Nove Colli Adriatic Coast
. Event Date: 14/5/2027 > 24/5/2027 Tour Dates: 14/5/2027 > 24/5/2027An amazing 10 day trip – 2 Gran Fondo’s – Adriatic Cost
These two Gran Fondo’s are just a week apart and 50km from each other , a great chance to take on two Gran Fondo’s and some great down time. Both locations are stunning on the Adriatic Coast with fantastic views for relaxing and cycling.
Our first event will be the Gran Fondo Squali a hidden gem. I have personally ridden this event and it’s challenging to say the least. There are two distances to choose from 81km / 1371m or 128km / 2020m. This will be the 12th edition, it’s a well established event with over 2750 riders from United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France, Poland, Spain, San Marino and many more. The sign on is circa 200 meters from our Hotel at the Aquarium and has an ever growing Expo with over 70 exhibitors.
Gran Fondo was named after Vincenzo Nibali, aka ‘The Shark’ and will take you from Gabicce Monte (named the City of Cycling) with breath-taking views of the Adriatic Riviera of Romagna and Marche and through the Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo.
Our 3 Star Hotel which I have stayed at and owned by a friend is suited for cyclists and equipped with a swimming pool. It’s 200 meters from the sign and the start which makes it perfectly located for the event start and expo .The hotel is close the beach, shops. bars , coffee shops and restaurants a location to keep you occupied on and off the bike.
Our second location is Cencenatico , the home of Marco Pantani and where Gran Fondo’s all started , The Nove Colli. Our hotel is quite special , it not only caters for the cyclist but has daily excursions for partners , in addition this is a beach front hotel with a stunning swimming pool so partners can relax . The hotel has a Wellness centre and a gym and caters for EVERYBODY , a good reason not to leave your partner at home.
There are 5 group riders for all levels to different destinations each day so there a big variety to chose from. If you don’t wish to bring your bike we can organise bike hire Pinarello Dogma or Prince or the F5. There are two distances to choose from, 205km max (3265m) , 130km max (1827m) both are challenging and will step up your limits in cycling.
Our Schedule
This fantastic 10 day trip starts on 14/5/2027 , where we will meet you at Bologna Airport , it’s a straight route down to Catollica circa 100km. We will check , build bikes and subject to time a short ride or a short walk to discover the area and a relaxing coffee.
On the 15/5/2027 , morning ride , afternoon sign on and visit Expo
On the 16/5/2027 is event day , we will have a 200 meter roll down to the start and off we go !
On 17/5/2027 we will transfer to Cencenatico , circa 50km for the second part of fantastic 10 day trip , we will check in , bikes sorted and visit the local coffee shop.
18/5/2027 – ride day or relax
19/5/2027 – ride day or relax
20/5/2027 – ride day or relax
21/5/2027 – ride day or relax
22/5/2027 – this is sign on day and a day to relax before the big push on Sunday !
23/5/2027 – big ride day
24/5/2027 – return home
Gran Fondo Squali Details
Your Gran Fondo Degli Squali (The Shark)
LONG ROUTE RAOD
Mileage: 128 km
Elevation gain: 2020 m
Longest climb: Monte Altavelio-Osteriaccia.
Maximum gradient: 14%
SHORT ROUTE ROAD
Km : 85 km
Elevation gain : 1393 m
Gradient : 8%
The Long Course: Lively, challenging and fun. No boredom.
The start is from Corso Italia (Cattolica Aquarium) which is 500 meters from our hotel. You travel about 10 km flat, a straight that leads to the first crossroads where you take the road that leads to the Gradara area. After the overpass, you will already be able to admire the fortified village of Gradara Castle .
Before reaching a roundabout you encounter a short steep section which is the first climb of the day which is 3 km long followed by a descent of about 3 km. After a tight bend to the right at km 20.5 which you must be careful of, you arrive at Santa Maria del Monte. The there is a short technical decent – BE CAREFUL . Here we find the fork between the medium route on the left and the long one on the right. Choose the right, the false flat begins that leads to the first real climb of the day, the most challenging, of Monte Altavellio, with a gradient of 7-8% broken down into sections, the first of 3 km, with 1.5 km of descent and again the climb of about 3 km. The landscape is nothing short of spectacular, impossible to keep your gaze fixed on the asphalt. The first refreshment point is also located here – km 57.
Riders will find a long technical descent, perfect for speed lovers, which requires attention. You pass the towns of Auditore, then Casinina to reach km 65. From here begins the fastest section of the race, about 10 km, slightly downhill to catch your breath at km 77, the climb of San Giorgio that leads to the town of Mondaino (83km). The descent that begins from here is also technical and takes us to Santa Maria del Monte. Here we turn right towards Tavullia, retracing the section located at about the 25th km of the race. At this point you come across a roundabout and on the right begins the 3 km climb to Tavullia with a gradient of about 5% where the second refreshment point has been positioned. From here begins a descent of about 8 km, which must be faced without lowering your guard before the Panoramica del Parco San Bartolo . In Cattabrighe, take a short stretch of the state road and tackle the Panoramica eat and drink, crossing Fiorenzuola and flanking Casteldimezzo. We are in the San Bartolo Park Nature Reserve for the last 15 km that offers riders a scene of rare beauty, from which you can admire the Adriatic sea expanse. Arrival among the scents of the final mega refreshment on the natural terrace of Gabicce Monte .
The medium (short) route: Exciting, accessible and varied.
The start is from Corso Italia (Cattolica Aquarium) , 500 meters from our hotel. There’s about 10 km flat, a straight that leads to the first crossroads where on the right you take the road that leads to the Gradara area. After the overpass, on the right you will be able to admire the fortified village of the castle of Gradara .
Before reaching a roundabout you encounter a short climb,the first climb of the day, although only about 3 km long, it continues towards Pievevecchia . A descent of about 3 km follows and you arrive at the roundabout. After a tight curve to the right at km 20.5 which you must pay attention to, you arrive at Santa Maria del Monte. From here you descend it’s technical so pay maximum attention !
Here we find the fork in the road , take the left fork for the medium route. Having chosen the medium route, after two km the most important climb begins, that of Saludecio-Mondaino , about 9 km long with a gradient with peaks of 8%, now you would have covered 40 kms.
The descent that starts from here is also technical and takes us to Santa Maria del Monte. Here we turn right towards Tavullia, retracing the stretch which was located at about the 25th km of the race. At this point we come across a roundabout and on the right begins the 3 km climb to Tavullia with a gradient of about 5% where the first refreshment point is located. From here begins a descent of about 8 km, which must be faced without lowering your guard before the Panoramica del Parco San Bartolo .
In Cattabrighe, take a short stretch of the state road and tackle the Panoramica eat and drink, crossing Fiorenzuola and flanking Casteldimezzo. We are in the San Bartolo Park Nature Reserve for the last 15 km that offers runners a scene of rare beauty, from which you can admire the Adriatic sea expanse. Arrival among the scents of the final mega refreshment on the natural terrace of Gabicce Monte .
All events set out from the Aquarium in Cattolica.
Nove Colli Details
Long Route details
We start from the Agip Colony in Cesenatico and cover the first 28 km at very high average speeds (over 40 km/h), taking advantage of the slipstreams of other cyclists, arriving at the first climb, the one to Bertinoro.
Medium Route details
We start from the Agip Colony in Cesenatico and cover the first 28 km at very high average speeds (over 40 km/h), taking advantage of the slipstreams of other cyclists, arriving at the first climb, the one to Bertinoro.
LONG ROUTE
Medium Route
Whats included and what’s not included
Please take a look at our payment and cancellations Terms and Conditions.
What do we include in your trip
- Transfer to and from Bologna Airport
- 3 nights , out Friday return Monday in Catollica
- Bed, breakfast, evening meal – 3 -star hotel – Catollica
- Bed Breakfast and evening meal , all inclusive – 4 star Hotel in Cencenatico
- Guaranteed Grand Fondo entry to both events
- Pre-event guided rides or do your own thing – subject to time
- Perfect bike friendly and English speaking hotel
- Transfer between hotels
Whats included at the 4 star Hotel
- Bike jersey
- Access to the wellness centre at the hotel
- Laundry service for technical sportswear
- Beach towel available for the wellness area and swimming pool
- Bath robe at your disposal
- Wine on tap at dinner
- Soft drinks in the minibar in the room
- 1 voucher for € 25.00 per room for beauty treatments, massages,
- 10% discount on pressotherapy and thermotherapy
- Up to 5 different daily rides for different levels
- Water for the flasks
- Bananas and mineral salts for the tours
- Quality breakfast
- Post-training buffet from 12:00 to 16:30
- Carefully prepared dinner with meat, fish and vegetarian first and second courses
- Lactose/Vegan/Veggie all catered for
- Water on tap during meals
- Flask in the room
- Kettle in the room for making coffee, tea and herbal tea
- Free W-LAN
- Access to the Lungogym fitness studio with panoramic sea view and Technogym equipment
- Large bicycle room (with space for more than 130 bicycles), secure and equipped with washing area, small repairs and compressor.
- Mechanic available
- Entry to the event
- Airport Transfers – Bologna Airport
- Half Board
- Guided rides each day – various levels
- The hotel has its own feed station during the event on the Barbota climb for our customers
- Bike hire an optional extra (Pinarello Dogma, Prince or F5)
What’s not included
- Hotel personal tax
- Your other personal hotel costs, such as your bar bill, etc
- Other personal expenses
- Personal insurance
It is recommended that you take out personal insurance.
Cost
Deposit £500.00
Balance Payment on/by 1/4/2027
Twin / Double room based on two people sharing £1999.95
Single occupancy room £2399.95
Flight arrivals & departures
Fly into and out off Bologna airport
Outbound – The coach will leave Bologna Airport – 12:00 midday
Return – The coach will leave the Hotel @ 11:00
Transfer circa 100km
What about the ‘Small Print’ and payment?
Payment
Many thanks for deciding to take a trip with European Cycle Events, we really look forward to seeing you.
All Events and Bespoke trip payments
Your deposit payment, which secures your place on your trip, is taken by Stripe Online Payments along with balance payments.
Our terms and conditions can be found here.
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Departure14/5/2027 > 24/5/2027
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Departure Time14/5/2027 > 24/5/2027
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Included
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Not Included
