Giovanni Loiscio (Team Eracle) and Elisa Leardini (ASD Vibrata Bike 2005) claimed top honours on Sunday 17 May at the 11th edition of the Granfondo Squali in Cattolica, Italy, capping a dramatic day of racing along the Adriatic Riviera.
Loiscio crossed the line first in the men’s Granfondo (128 km, 2,020 m elevation gain) in 3:19:30, just 54 hundredths of a second ahead of Antonio Di Sante (ASD Vibrata Bike 2005) in what amounted to an exciting sprint finish. Former UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Ivan Martinelli (ASD Team Go Fast) completed the men’s podium a further eight seconds back. Stefano Zoppi rounded out fourth, while Francesco Roselli (Team MG K Vis Promotech FMB) completed the top five.
In the women’s Granfondo, Leardini was untouchable, finishing in 3:37:48 — a commanding margin of 2 minutes 16 seconds over runner-up Virginia Becchetti (A.S.D. Pedale Rosa). Lisa De Cesare (Team Cingolani-Specialized) took third, 12 minutes 40 seconds adrift.
The shorter Medio Fondo (85 km) produced equally compelling racing and photo finish. Francesco Zandri (ASD Torello Cycling Team) won the men’s race in 2:04:37, edging Enrico Rossi (Borello Cycling Team) and Francesco Pirro on the line, with all three separated by just six hundredths of a second.
Women’s Medio Fondo honours went to Rachele Chisci (ASD Fuorisellabike) in 2:16:14, with Anna Cadorin (Team Staweld Buzzolan) finishing 2 minutes 10 seconds behind.
Now in its 11th edition, the Granfondo Squali is organised by Velo Club Cattolica and Ciclo Team 2001 Gabicce Mare, with riders departing from the Cattolica Aquarium and finishing at Gabicce Monte. The 2026 edition drew more than 3,200 registered participants, representing 37% growth since 2022.
2026 Granfondo Squali results HERE
Photo Credit: Facebook/granfondosquali
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