850 riders, a spectacular Alpine course and the iconic Mottolino summit finish: Burke and Van der Moeren triumph in a race defined by technical excellence
Livigno, 28 June 2026 – Sunshine, perfect racing conditions and more than 850 riders on the start line made the 2026 edition of Granfondo Livigno Alè one of the most successful in recent years. For an entire day, the 1816 Bike Zone Livigno once again showcased everything that has made it one of Europe’s premier high-altitude cycling destinations—a place where the pursuit of performance meets the beauty of the mountains, transforming every climb into a test of skill, endurance and determination.
From the opening kilometres to the demanding final ascent to Mottolino, riders tackled some of the most iconic Alpine passes in the region. The altitude, the succession of mountain climbs and the challenge of pacing efforts above 1,816 metres combined to create a course unlike any other on the Italian granfondo calendar, earning unanimous praise from competitors.
The race reached its thrilling climax on the final climb to Mottolino, the same iconic summit finish that hosted the queen stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia. The final two kilometres—steep, unforgiving and spectacular—provided the decisive selection, producing a finale worthy of one of cycling’s great Alpine battles. Earlier in the race, the ascent of Passo del Forno had already begun to split the field, with around thirty riders cresting the third climb together before the bunch divided between the Medio and Granfondo routes.
On the Granfondo course, eight riders reached the foot of Passo Foscagno together, where the relentless pace set by Canada’s Jack Burke, winner of the 2025 edition, steadily reduced the lead group before his decisive attack on the final climb to Mottolino.
Burke ultimately claimed back-to-back victories on roads he knows exceptionally well, having made Livigno one of his preferred training bases throughout the season. His performance combined tactical intelligence with remarkable composure, further strengthening the Granfondo Livigno Alè’s growing international reputation as an event capable of attracting some of the strongest riders on the granfondo circuit.
In the women’s race, Belgium’s Ils Van der Moeren delivered a commanding performance, riding aggressively from start to finish to secure victory and once again highlighting the increasingly international profile of one of the standout events on the summer cycling calendar.
The Medio course saw two local riders take the honours, both representing Team Fire & Ice Livigno. Manuela Pedrana claimed victory in the women’s event and said:
“I come from a ski mountaineering background, so I know exactly what suffering means. These mountains have always been part of my life, and reaching the finish line at Mottolino—the same climb that crowned the queen stage of the Giro d’Italia in 2024—made an already spectacular course even more special.”
Local favourite Mattia Longa, racing for Livigno Team, also secured victory after making the most of the event’s distinctive format, where only the climbs are timed.
“It was a really enjoyable race because only the climbs counted towards the overall classification. It’s a format that forces you to think differently and race strategically. We made the difference on the Mottolino climb and, on the steepest section, I managed to drop the riders I’d been away with. Winning your home race always feels extra special.”
The Granfondo Livigno Alè closes another highly successful edition, once again confirming the 1816 Bike Zone Livigno as one of Europe’s leading destinations for endurance road cycling. A demanding, spectacular and now truly iconic course that continues to attract top international riders alongside hundreds of passionate amateurs eager to take on one of the most rewarding challenges of the Alpine cycling season.
