BGY Airport Granfondo 2025 Officially Presented: Bergamo Welcomes Cyclist from Around the World
On Sunday, May 4th, Bergamo will host the prestigious international amateur cycling event, which was officially presented today at the Sala Traini, located within the Bergamo headquarters of Banco BPM.
With just over a month to go until the BGY Airport Granfondo, the event was unveiled to the media this evening during a press conference hosted at Bergamo’s Sala Traini in the Banco BPM headquarters.
For 27 years, this prestigious international amateur race has attracted thousands of cyclists from all over the world to the streets of Bergamo and its province. This year, the event is set for Sunday, May 4th, with both the start and finish line located on Via Marzabotto, near Bergamo’s Stadium and the historic Lazzaretto. As was the case last year, the festivities will begin the day before, with preliminary operations, race pack collection, and the opening of the ExpoVillage at Santini Cycling’s headquarters on Via Zanica in the Malpensata district.
Several authorities attended the presentation, including Fabrizio Zambetti (Head of the Bergamo Brescia Lario Territorial Division of Banco BPM), Giovanni Sanga (President of SACBO Spa), Marcella Messina (Bergamo Municipality’s Sports Councilor), Edi Jareci (CEO of 3T Bike), Roberto Perico (Banco BPM), and event organizer Giuseppe Manenti (G.M.S.).
During the presentation, several strengths of the event were highlighted:
- Strategic Location: The proximity to Milan Bergamo Airport makes it easily accessible from both Italy and abroad, fostering strong international participation. Additionally, the BGY Bike Office, supported by Vittoria Servizio Corse, provides assistance to cyclists at the airport.
- Spectacular Routes: The race showcases the stunning landscapes of Bergamo province, combining technical challenges on roads loved by cyclists with breathtaking scenery.
- Institutional and Sponsorship Support: The involvement of local authorities and sponsors enhances the event’s quality and ensures its continuity.
- Complete Cycling Experience: The event goes beyond the race itself, offering side events, bike testing opportunities, and social gatherings.
- Safety and Organization: The race ensures high safety standards with well-monitored roads, efficient refreshment stations, and on-course assistance.
All these elements have helped establish the BGY Airport Granfondo as one of the leading amateur granfondos on the international cycling scene.
Other highlights presented included the official jersey “Segni Vitali”, an exclusive collectible piece by Santini Cycling, the “Timone” bronze trophy crafted by Maestro Rando, collaborations with the Fondazione Creberg, and the promotion of artworks by Cosetta Arzuffi. Additionally, technical insights were provided on the Nembro-Selvino Time Trial and the emotional connection to the late Eugenio Mercorio, a dear friend remembered by the cycling community.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Saturday, May 3rd – Pre-Race Day
Santini Cycling will open its doors (from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM) to thousands of cyclists and fans arriving in Bergamo for race pack collection and to enjoy entertainment and refreshment areas.
Sunday, May 4th – Race Day
The traditional race area at Lazzaretto, near the start/finish line on Via Marzabotto, will once again light up for the BGY Airport Granfondo 2025.
- 6:10 AM – 6:50 AM: Opening of starting grids
- 7:00 AM: Start of the first grid and the race
THE THREE ROUTES
The event offers three routes tailored to different types of cyclists and fitness levels:
- Short Course: 89.4 km (1,400 m elevation gain)
- Medium Course: 128.8 km (2,100 m elevation gain)
- Long Course: 162.1 km (3,050 m elevation gain)
The race crosses six valleys (Val Cavallina, Valseriana, Val Serina, Val Brembana, Val Taleggio, and Valle Imagna) and 37 municipalities. The initial 71 km are common to all participants, reaching the top of the legendary Selvino climb. From there:
The short course diverges back towards the finish line. The medium and long courses continue toward Costa d’Olda and Forcella di Bura. After descending to Brembilla (km 111), the medium route heads towards the finish line, while those tackling the long route will face two more major climbs: Forcella di Berbenno and Costa Valle Imagna, before a final thrilling descent towards Bergamo.
The total climbing distance is approximately 23 km for the short course, 33 km for the medium, and nearly 49 km for the long.
For the GIM category, which welcomes all types of bicycles—including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes—a dedicated starting grid will be available, limited to the short-distance course.
Throughout the routes, there will be five refreshment points, plus one at the finish line and a pasta party, included in the registration fee.
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HOW TO REGISTER?
Participants can register through the official event website www.granfondobgy.it or at the GMS organizing office, located at Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo (tel. +39 035.211721).
Registration deadline: Saturday, April 12, 2025.
