Your Gran Fondo Degli Squali (The Shark)  is on 16/5/2027 

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%

All events set out from the Aquarium in Cattolica.

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.

Squali Gravel is not just a bicycle tour through the Valle del Conca, but a real journey full of excitement and pure relaxation in close contact with the nature of an unexplored territory, cycling on the white roads of the hinterland of Romagna.

2 routes with evocative names, inspired by 2 species of sharks, in honor of the Acquario di Cattolica, headquarters of the event.

Short Course – Verdesca Tour – 45km , 700 meters elevation 75% Gravel 25% Road

A slow but exciting climb toward Mondaino Castle, through countless valleys dotted with rural villages nestled in the countryside, where the guides will offer a break with a view to enjoy a refreshing drink. Splendid views will accompany the return to the sea, riding along the ancient roads of the lower Conca Valley, which will lead to the well-deserved and eagerly awaited final refreshment at the Conca Village, featuring sardines, piadina, and salad, accompanied by a beer.

Long Course – Toro Tour – 80km , 1650 meters elevation 78% Gravel , 22% Road.

Toward the border of eastern Romagna, countless country roads and paths climb the slopes of small valleys, and the difficulties continue as they ascend and descend.
The fortresses of Saludecio and Montegridolfo appear and disappear from view, indicating the direction to Mondaino Castle, home to the first refreshment point.
Then the landscape changes dramatically, with the ravines and barren lands of the first Apennine foothills, and the route becomes increasingly challenging as it passes through the Ventena di Gemmano forest and then climbs steeply toward the last Malatesta fortress on the route: Montefiore. Here, you can catch your breath and enjoy a second refreshment stop, before returning to the sea through the lower Conca Valley to reach the long-awaited and well-deserved final refreshment stop at Conca Village, featuring sardines, piadina, and salad, washed down with a beer.

TOUR COST PER PERSON

£699.95 per person Early Bird

Single room supplement – £150

WHEN AND WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PAY?

1. £150.00 deposit 
2. £50 Supplement to ride both events , Gravel – Saturday and Road – Sunday
3. Balance on the 1st March 2027

Please take a look at our payment and cancellations Terms and Conditions.

WHAT DO WE INCLUDE IN YOUR TRIP?

1. Transfer to and from Bologna Airport
2. 4 nights , out Thursday  return Monday
3. Bed, breakfast, evening meal – 3 -star hotel –
4. Guaranteed Grand Fondo entry
5. We take care of your entry unlike other operators who leave you to do it yourself
6. Pre-event guided rides or do your own thing – subject to time
7. Perfect bike friendly and English speaking hotel
8. Some other tour operators add these costs to your trip cost

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

1. Hotel personal tax
2. Your other personal hotel costs, such as your bar bill, etc
3. Other personal expenses
4. Personal insurance
   It is recommended that you take out personal insurance.

Fly into Bologna airport 

Outbound – The coach will leave Bologna Airport  –  12:00 midday

Return – The coach will leave the Hotel @ 11:00

Transfer circa 100km

1. Date of birth
2. Medical Certificate, date to be current with this event

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.