Shardana Bikeventure: the great journey in bikepacking through Sardinia for over 1.100 kilometers is approaching. An exciting new edition of the main international event of bikepacking of Sardinia, ready to confirm itself also in 2026 among the longest and most fascinating routes in the European panorama.
With a circular route of 1.138 kilometres (but also of 874, 490 and 220 kilometres), the event will take participants on a journey through extraordinary landscapes, authentic territories and welcoming communities, before returning to Olbia after having traversed the island in all its variety.
For Sardinia…
Shardana Bike Adventure will pass through numerous small inland villages, directly involving B&Bs, farmhouses, wineries, and small artisanal liqueur producers. This widespread hospitality system is one of the event's distinctive features, connecting participants with the most authentic soul of Sardinia. The latest news from the patron Massimo Molon says that 60 percent of the members are foreigners and a good 98 percent come from outside the region.: «A significant fact, especially considering how in the past Sardinia was perceived as a logistical complex destination. This is also why we have entered into agreements with Grimaldi Lines To reduce travel costs, there are partner cities and municipalities that have understood the value of the project. One of our messages is that Sardinia is welcoming all year round, not just in summer, for those seeking the sea.
As the event approaches, we spoke with those who have already experienced Shardana. Giuseppe Pecorino, A Sicilian-born cycle traveler living in Tuscany, he talks about his approach to his second participation.
Giuseppe, how are you approaching Shardana this year after having already experienced it?
The main difference is that, thanks to the connections formed last year, this time I'll be leaving in company. I'll be embarking with other participants with whom I shared the first edition. It will no longer be a solo journey, but a shared experience from the very beginning.
So where are you embarking from?
From Livorno, which is the most convenient port for me. I'll sail from Livorno to Olbia and, on the way back, disembark in Livorno again and then cycle home. Living in Pistoia it's about 100 kilometers: I consider it a perfect warm-upThis way I also avoid costs and worries related to the car.
The organization offers a 14-day timeframe to complete Sharadana. What schedule have you drawn up?
I think I'm experiencing it a little slower than last year. I've maintained an average of 100 kilometers a day, precisely because Sardinia offers so much to see and experience firsthand, so stopping a little earlier and enjoying the slow tourism of a fantastic island is worth it, in my opinion. Maybe stop in places where I drove faster last year.
And do you already have in mind two or three stages that you will certainly do?
Yes, some will also be linked to organized events. On May 5th, for example, in Villacidro there is an evening planned with a DJ set together with Moko from Radio 105, with whom I shared part of the trip last year. He's a fantastic person, always positive and helpful. On such a long adventure, you share everything: from the tent to the unexpected. These are experiences that create strong bonds. After Villacidro, I'm thinking of stopping in Decimomannu and then on to the Giara plateau, perhaps in the wild.
Where is the Giara plateau located?
It is located in the central-southern part of Sardinia. It is still an uncontaminated place, where you can encounter wild horses. There are authentic agriturismos where you can truly experience the local culture. It's a stop I absolutely recommend for those traveling by bike.
Let's talk about equipment, Giuseppe. What will you change from last year?
As I am preparing for another long trip a little more ambitious (Pecorino will go to South America, by the way he is a follower of Lanzaretti(Editor's note: I'll also use Shardana as a training ground, as a test. I'll travel slightly heavier than most participants, because I'll have a tent, a stove... I'll spend several days in the wilderness. I will carry side bags, 20 liters each, rather than a simple, normal bikepacking with underseat bag, cylindrical front bag.
So a cylindrical front bag and two rear side bags, but no backpack…
No, I avoid the backpack because it makes your back sweat and in the long run it becomes uncomfortable. Instead, I'll bring an ultralight bag, useful for shopping when entering supermarkets.
And the bike? Have you made any changes based on your 2025 experience?
I use one Scott gravel aluminum. For Shardana I will fit 40mm tyres. It would be ideal to get to 42, but I'm at the limit with the frame. Sardinia has some challenging sections: sand, technical dirt roads, even cliffs. A wider cross-section helps a lot with the load, especially for me, who with the weight I'm carrying has to try not to sink too much.
Is there anything that particularly struck you?
The welcome I received from the Sardinians. It really struck me because I'm Sicilian, so I come from an island, and I noticed that the Sardinians are very united. Therefore, I received a fantastic welcome even outside of the Shardana context. And obviously, the organizers were also extraordinary. For the rest, it's a new way of seeing tourists. bikepacking It's a different kind of tourism, a direct approach to the territory. And what struck me most was the freedom of being able to take a tour like this... Even though I had some fears.
Fear…
My concerns were about joining an organized tour where I would have constraints, deadlines to meet, and standards. Shardana, on the other hand, struck me because it represents freedom. It offers you the opportunity to do it in a variety of ways, from a three-day adventure sleeping in a hotel to a slow-paced tent adventure. As a competition, or as a challenge to yourself. Or even as a time to dedicate to yourself...
What advice would you give to someone participating for the first time?
I recommend traveling light, because the climate is good: it allows it. And because there are elevation changes that shouldn't be underestimated in Sardinia, even if you might not expect them. When traveling inland, I'd recommend traveling as light as possible.
