Emilia Romagna Castles

From 1 to 3 May, 'Riccione Cycling Fest' transforms the heart of the city into a focal point for cycling enthusiasts, with three days of events, sport and entertainment for all ages.

At the centre of the event is the historic Granfondo Riccione, which this year crosses the finish line of its 23rd edition, confirming itself as one of the most consolidated appointments on the national granfondo calendar.

Piazzale Ceccarini will host the headquarters of "Riccione Cycling Fest" with the event village. An exhibition area dedicated to the leading companies in the cycling sector will be set up here, with the latest innovations in technical materials. Inside the village there will also be space for the food and wine excellences of the territory, from wine to oil to the typical products of the hinterland.

The programme will kick off on Friday 1 May: the village will officially open at 2 pm, followed in the afternoon by two group cycling sessions organised by Gold Wellness Academy and Icyff, the first at 4.30 pm and the second at 6 pm.

On Saturday, 2 May, the day promises to be full of events from the morning: at 8:00 the meeting point for the start of the Green Gravel Pearl is set, while at 9:00 the exhibition village and the Granfondo secretariat will open simultaneously. After the morning group cycling session scheduled for 10:30, the afternoon will be dedicated to young people and families: at 14:00, the Olivetani Park will host the mountain bike race for the youngest riders, followed at 15:00 by the 'Family on bike', a free initiative subject to registration. After the last group cycling session at 4.30 p.m., the evening will turn on in Piazzale Ceccarini, from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the rhythm of Ludovica Pagani's DJ set, preceded by Riccardo Piva's warm-up for a finale of the day marked by pure fun.

The climax of the event will be Sunday 3 May, the day of the Granfondo Riccione. The secretariat will open at dawn, at 6:30 a.m., to allow entry to the grids from 7:30 a.m. and the official start at 8:00 a.m., while the exhibition village will welcome visitors from 9:00 a.m. The arrival of the runners in Viale Caprera is scheduled between 11:00 and 13:00, followed by the official prize-giving ceremony.

For information and registration for group cycling sessions, please contact the Gold Wellness Academy gym (mobile 379 2097578 - email gold4wellness@gmail.com).

All details and the complete programme are available on the official website www.granfondoriccione.com.