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Italy 25 Mar – 29 Mar 2026 Class 2.1 – Stages – Class 1
Website www.gsemilia.it
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 2026 edition of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali is scheduled to run from Wednesday, March 25, to Sunday, March 29.
This year’s route is particularly notable as it shifts away from its traditional base in Emilia-Romagna, traveling across Northern Italy from Piedmont in the west to Friuli in the east.
Race Schedule & Stages
| Date | Stage | Route | Distance | Key Features |
| Mar 25 | Stage 1 | Barbaresco – Barolo | 161.1 km | Hilly finish with the La Morra climb. |
| Mar 26 | Stage 2 | Lodi – Massalengo | 158.0 km | Relatively flat; expected sprint finish. |
| Mar 27 | Stage 3 | Erbusco – Iseo | 175.5 km | Passing through Franciacorta; punchy terrain. |
| Mar 28 | Stage 4 | Ponte di Piave – Valdobbiadene | 159.6 km | Through the Prosecco hills; technical climbs. |
| Mar 29 | Stage 5 | Cormons – Gemona del Friuli | 165.5 km | Queen stage featuring the Monte Stella. |
Key Highlights
Participating Teams: The peloton includes a mix of WorldTour and ProTeams, with notable riders like Mauro Schmid, Axel Laurance, and Danny van Poppel expected on the start line.
The Queen Stage: The final day in Friuli is expected to be the most decisive for the general classification, featuring two ascents of Monte Stella (approx. 4 km at 10% gradient) before a finish in Gemona del Friuli.
Logistics: Since today is March 24, teams are currently gathering in Barolo for license checks and the DS meeting. The race officially kicks off tomorrow morning in Barbaresco at approximately 11:40 AM.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali is one of Italy’s most prestigious professional cycling stage races, serving as a vital mid-season test for climbers and punchers. Its history is a blend of evolving sponsorship, changing geography, and a deep reverence for Italian cycling legends.
1. Origins as the Giro del Gargano
The race didn’t start with the names of Italy’s most famous rivals. It was founded in 1984 as the Giro del Gargano, held in the Apulia region of southern Italy. The inaugural winner was the Italian rider Moreno Argentin.
2. The Sicilian Years (Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale)
In 1991, the event moved to Sicily and was renamed the Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale. It became a prominent early-season race, attracting international stars looking for warm-weather training. During this era, the race saw legendary winners such as:
- Phil Anderson (1991)
- Cassani (1994)
- Gabriele Colombo (1996)
3. Honoring the Greats (2001–Present)
The modern identity of the race took shape in 2001 when the Gruppo Sportivo Emilia took over the organization. They renamed it the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali to honor the “Golden Age” of Italian cycling and its two most iconic figures: Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali.
- Regional Shift: The race moved its base to the Emilia-Romagna region, though as seen in the 2026 route, it occasionally ventures into other parts of Northern Italy.
- The Format: It became famous for its “split stages” on the opening day—typically a short road race in the morning followed by a Team Time Trial (TTT) in the afternoon.
4. A Launchpad for Stars
While it is ranked as a 2.1 event on the UCI Europe Tour (just below the WorldTour level), it has a reputation for being won by riders who go on to dominate the Grand Tours.
| Notable Winner | Year | Future Achievement |
| Damiano Cunego | 2004 | Won the Giro d’Italia later that same year. |
| Michele Scarponi | 2007 | Future Giro d’Italia champion. |
| Ivan Basso | 2010 | Won his second Giro d’Italia months later. |
| Jonas Vingegaard | 2021 | Won the Tour de France the following year. |
Key Evolution Points
- The Trophy: The winner receives a distinct trophy featuring the stylized silhouettes of Coppi and Bartali.
- National Pride: Despite its “International” name, it remains a “home race” for many Italian ProTeams, often serving as their best chance to prove they deserve a wildcard entry into the Giro d’Italia.
