Gran Piemonte
Gran Piemonte returns on 9 October for its 109th edition, running 179 km from Dogliani to Acqui Terme. The course takes in sharp climbs like Castelletto d’Erro before a rising finish in the spa town. With 13 WorldTeams lining up, it offers one last test on Piedmontese roads before Il Lombardia closes the season.
Gran Piemonte dates back to 1906, making it one of the oldest races on the Italian calendar. Known for decades as the Giro del Piemonte, it has been a stage where many of the country’s greatest riders left their mark. Giovanni Gerbi claimed the first edition, while Costante Girardengo, Aldo Bini, Gino Bartali and Fiorenzo Magni each took three wins, giving the race a place in Italy’s cycling story.
Over the years the route has shifted across Piedmont, sometimes set up for the sprinters, other times for climbers. Champions such as Gianni Bugno, Michele Bartoli and Philippe Gilbert have all lifted the trophy, while more recent winners include Sonny Colbrelli, George Bennett and Neilson Powless.
Today it holds UCI ProSeries status and sits neatly in the build-up to Il Lombardia. Its changing character and long history ensure it continues to matter, both for the peloton and for the tifosi.
