Gravel in May, we start traveling for more days

There are 36 cycling tourism events in gravel that the month of May offers, bringing excitement to every corner of Italy. There's also room for competitive sport, it's true, but the soul of the gravel It is increasingly expressed through the discovery of the territory and for this reason the majority of the events on the calendar are non-competitive in natureThe month of May, however, begins to offer something new, combining cycling with the desire for vacation, with the discovery of travel, through routes that can be covered over several days.

Maremma still protagonist

A first example can already be seen in the long weekend of Labor Day with the Maremma in Gravel, which immerses you in the wildest part of the Maremma, an area that is embracing the bicycle as a means of promotion through many initiatives. Two days to discover different cornersSaturday's Wild West, featuring three routes ranging from 120 to 60 kilometers, and Sunday's Wild South, 120 and 60 kilometers. On the first day, the spotlight will be on the coast, while on the second, more inland.

The circuit's journey continues on May 3rd Tuscan Cup Gravel, alongside the Tuscan MTB Cup dedicated to competitive cycling. Here, however, cycle tourism reigns supreme, and this time it's a tasty appetizer for the Costa degli Etruschi Epic, the world-famous MTB marathon. A week before the international event Marina di Bibbona hosts the Costa degli Etruschi Gravel, without the worry of the stopwatch, just for the pleasure of being there and watching.

The May calendar

In Siena to the sound of music

Tuscany is in the foreground for the Proposals related to the gravel, always different. The organizers of the 80 Desire for Gravel which will experience the fifth edition on May 8th in Rapolano Terme (SI), offering members something completely new. The routes have in fact been changed, which happens practically every year to provide ever-changing emotions, while maintaining the cycling scene in the Crete Senesi and the Val d'Orcia.Departure from the Rapolano Terme Water Park, with a choice of four routes, from 200 to 41 kilometers.

The name of the event in Este (PD) on May 10th is curious: the Eat and Pedal. In fact, it is a non-competitive event that can be faced not only in gravel, but also by mountain bike or on foot, the only commitment is to go and discover the local products. The starting point is already unique, the Carrarese Castle in Este, along routes of 55, 50, and 10 kilometers where refreshment stands, featuring local products, are an added attraction.

3 days of discoveries in Campania

We were talking before about the concept of travel, which is the basis of the Vesuvio Gravel, one of the main events of the Campania season. This is a long hike bikepacking 3-day, circular itinerary starting from Naples and covering over 300 kilometers. We start from the sea but then we climb, finding natural landscapes as well as villages steeped in history and cities of art, going in search of that spirit that had enchanted even Goethe.

From literature to cinema, the BBT Coast to Coast 2026 may also bring to mind Rocco Papaleo 's 2010 film "Basilicata Coast to Coast." A journey on two wheels that begins at Camping Riva dei Greci in Metaponto (MT) and ends in Maratea, crossing the region from one sea to the other. It's an Unsupported Bike Adventure, with two indoor bivouacs and luggage transport from start to finish , but along the route you rely on your own instincts and orientation, ensuring the finish line is truly a conquest.

Lazio through papal history

At the same time, something similar can be done in the north, in Monferrato. Piedmont offers unparalleled views across the Monferrando. There are 5 options to choose from, from 420 to 50 kilometres and each one offers something different.: it goes from experience bikepacking independently on the route that tests your abilities over 7.800 meters of altitude difference, up to the walk through historic villages and medieval castles.

A journey through history. This is what the third edition of the Trail dei Papi offers , taking advantage of the long weekend of Italian Republic Day as a pre-holiday by exploring places in Lazio that have become famous for their ties to the various popes over time. Starting and ending in Bracciano, the first leg heads north, passing Lake Bolsena, then descends to Anagni, the city of the famous "slap," before climbing back up, naturally touching Rome, and returning to Bracciano. A total of 617 kilometers, something that will remain in your memory.

The month concludes with a repeat of the iconic event par excellence, the Eroica . After numerous events around Italy and beyond, the event will head to Montalcino, where it all began , on May 31st , sparking a global trend. Riders will ride on 209 kilometers of gravel roads, the same distance as the historic vintage bicycle event, enjoying plenty of time to explore the area through five different route options, tailored to their fitness level.