2026 UEC Gran Fondo European Championship Tre Valli Varesine
Date
Saturday 03.10.2026 - 04.10.2026Distances
20 - 100 - 126 kmCity
Varese
Country
ItalyThe 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships will be hosted in Varese, one of Italy’s most renowned cycling regions. At the heart of the event is the prestigious Tre Valli Varesine, one of the oldest cycling classics in the world, traditionally held on a Tuesday in early October and forming part of the historic Trittico Lombardo.
To allow amateur cyclists to experience the same roads and spectacular scenery that have made the professional race famous, organiser SC Alfredo Binda introduced the Granfondo Tre Valli Varesine in 2016, staged on the Sunday preceding the professional classic. The event quickly established itself as one of Italy’s premier granfondo challenges and gained international prominence when Varese successfully hosted the 2018 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Eight years later, the region once again welcomes Europe’s best amateur cyclists as the 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships take place on the roads of the Granfondo Tre Valli Varesine. Riders who qualified through one of the designated qualification events across Europe will compete for the coveted European titles while experiencing the unique cycling heritage, challenging terrain and passionate atmosphere for which Varese has become renowned. The championships represent a new chapter in European granfondo cycling, bringing together national team selections from across the continent in one of cycling’s most historic regions.
Time Trial
The time trial with start and finish at the Varese Ippodromo (horsetrack) is an out-and-back loop of 22km with a first upgoing part towards the turning point in Valganna before coming back towards the Ippodromo. It’s a course for real time trial specialists with a lot of power and straight lines.
A Championship Course Showcasing the Best of the Varese Lakes Region
The road races of the 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships will start and finish in the heart of Varese on Via Luigi Sacco, taking riders on a spectacular journey through one of Italy’s most beautiful cycling regions.
Leaving the city centre, both routes head north on a gentle 12-kilometre ascent towards the first major challenge of the day: the climb to Alpe Tedesco. Known as the highest and most demanding ascent of the race, this climb offers riders stunning views over the surrounding mountains before a technical descent leads them deeper into the Varese countryside.
The course then follows the scenic shores of Lago di Lugano, the beautiful border lake shared by Italy and Switzerland, before tackling the second climb towards the iconic Madonna di Ardena. From its elevated position, riders are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas across the lake and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
At this point the routes diverge. The Mediofondo (101 km) returns towards Varese via a shorter route, while the Granfondo (126 km) continues through the hills of Montegrino Valtravaglia. Riders then descend towards the shores of majestic Lago Maggiore, one of Italy’s most famous lakes, where the fourth climb of the day, Roggiano-Valtravaglia, awaits.
The two courses rejoin in Mesenzana, where a faster and flatter section offers a brief respite before the final approach. The closing kilometres gradually rise back towards the “Garden City” of Varese, culminating in an exciting finish in the city centre.
The Mediofondo serves as the official championship distance for all men aged 60 and above and women aged 50 and above, while all younger age categories will compete in the Granfondo, ensuring that Europe’s strongest amateur cyclists are tested over a truly demanding championship course.
Combining challenging climbs, technical descents, historic villages and magnificent views over Lago di Lugano, Lago Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, the 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships promise not only a battle for European titles but also an unforgettable cycling experience in one of Italy’s premier cycling destinations. 
The mediofondo is the official qualifier distance for all men 60+ and women 50+, all younger riders have to do the Granfondo to qualify for the World Championships.
101km Mediofondo
126km Granfondo
Discover Varese: Where Cycling Meets Italian Beauty
Nestled between the Alps and some of Northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes, 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships much more than a memorable cycling experience. Known as the “Garden City” for its elegant villas, parks and green landscapes, Varese combines Italian culture, outstanding cuisine and breathtaking natural scenery in a unique setting close to the Swiss border. Riders and their families will find themselves surrounded by picturesque lakes, historic villages and panoramic mountain views, making a visit to Varese an unforgettable sporting and tourist experience.
Lago Maggiore: Italy's Majestic Lake
Just a short distance from Varese lies Lago Maggiore, one of Italy’s largest and most spectacular lakes. Stretching across both Italy and Switzerland, the lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, charming lakeside towns and stunning mountain backdrop. Visitors can explore elegant resorts such as Stresa, take a boat trip to the renowned Borromean Islands, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery from one of the many waterfront promenades. With its blend of nature, history and Italian charm, Lago Maggiore is one of the jewels of the region.
Lago di Lugano: Between Italy and Switzerland
To the north, Lago di Lugano offers a unique international atmosphere as it straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland. Surrounded by steep green mountains and picturesque villages, the lake is renowned for its spectacular views and relaxed lifestyle. Visitors can wander through the elegant city centre of Lugano, enjoy panoramic viewpoints accessible by funicular, or discover hidden lakeside villages and peaceful coves. The combination of Mediterranean flair and Alpine landscapes makes Lago di Lugano one of the most distinctive destinations in the region.
Lago di Varese: A Cyclist's Paradise
Located on the doorstep of the championship venue, Lago di Varese is the lake most closely associated with the city itself. Surrounded by nature reserves and scenic cycling routes, it provides a peaceful escape just minutes from the historic centre. The lake features a popular pedestrian and cycling path that offers magnificent views across the water towards the surrounding hills and mountains. Rich in wildlife and natural beauty, Lago di Varese perfectly reflects the outdoor lifestyle that has made the area a favourite destination for cyclists, runners and nature enthusiasts.
A Destination Worth Exploring
The 2026 UEC Granfondo European Championships will bring Europe’s best amateur cyclists to one of the continent’s most attractive cycling regions. Whether competing for the European title, supporting friends and family, or simply discovering Northern Italy, visitors will find a destination where world-class cycling is complemented by stunning lakes, rich cultural heritage, excellent gastronomy and unforgettable landscapes. Varese is not only a championship venue, but a destination to be experienced.