Monte Grappa Bike Day 2026: A car-free mountain pass with thrills at every bend

Monte Grappa is regarded as a sacred site in Italy. This is because, in 1918, the final front line of the mountain war ran across its summit. Had this last bastion fallen, the Austro-Hungarian troops would have marched into the Po Valley – and this had to be prevented at all costs. The fighting lasted six days and claimed the lives of 23,000 soldiers in total. The huge ossuary at the summit of the 1,775-metre-high mountain still bears witness to this today. But the famous winding roads leading up to the summit of Monte Grappa also bear witness to that era.

A sense of awe and goosebumps at every bend

So there’s a sense of awe as you ride along the winding military roads at the Monte Grappa Bike Day. This celebration for cyclists of all kinds takes place on 27 June and is now in its 12th year. The following roads will be closed to car and motorbike traffic for this year’s event:

Ascension Day

The SP 140 “Gen. Cadorna” road from Romano d’Ezzelino – closed between 8 am and 12 noon – and the SP 140 “Strada Giardino” from the church in Semonzo to the junction with the SP 149 – closed between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm. Total ascent: 27 km / 1500 hm.

Departure

The SP 148 “Strada Cadorna” road to Caupo di Seren del Grappa – closed between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm.

There is no timekeeping; participation is free of charge and riders of any type of bicycle may set off within the designated time window. However, anyone wishing to experience the mass start should make their way to Piazzale Cadorna in Bassano del Grappa from 7.00 am. The official start will take place there at 8 am.

This also adds to the Giro d’Italia atmosphere, as Monte Grappa has been one of the Giro d’Italia’s Category 1 climbs since 1968.

Information: montegrappabikeday.it