Nearly 3,000 riders descended on the Romagna Riviera for the 29th edition of the Granfondo Via del Sale on Sunday. Organized by Fantini Club, it is one of Italian amateur cycling’s most enduring mass-participation races. With the Lungomare di Cervia as the scenic backdrop for both start and finish, the event lived up to its reputation as a demanding and selective test across the salt pans, hills and inland villages of the Romagna hinterland.
On the 144km gran fondo course, Alberto Nardin (MG.K Vis-Promotech-FMB) rode clear of all challengers to win in 3:31:08, securing his fourth gran fondo victory of the season — including the Strade Bianche. He finished almost three minutes ahead of Francesco Di Felice, with Danilo Celano rounding out the podium near seven minutes in arrears.
The women’s gran fondo race produced a similarly dominant solo performance from Elisa Leardini (ASD Vibrata Bike 2005), who took victory in 3:50:02, with Roberta Bussone second at 3:52:50 and Giulia Medri third at 4:00:53.
The medio fondo races belonged emphatically to the A.S.D. Capitani Minuterie Metalliche Cycling Team, whose riders claimed both the men’s and women’s titles. Stefano Zoppi won the men’s race in 2:23:23, while Sara Massarutto edged a tightly contested women’s sprint finale in 2:40:50.
Complete 2026 Granfondo Via del Sale results HERE
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