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Elisa Leardini and Alberto Nardin take victory at the 2026 Granfondo Via del Sale

One of the most important early season Gran Fondos in Italy with nearly 3,000 riders showing up for the 29th edition.

2026-via-dElisa Leardini and Alberto Nardin take victory at the 2026 Granfondo Via del Sale

With thousands of participants and adrenaline-filled routes from the sea to the hills, the Granfondo Via del Sale is a must-see if you love road cycling through the hills of Romagna. Cima Pantani (Montevecchio) established as the emotional heart of the route — 'VAI MARCO... FORZA PIRATA' painted on the road
 
The first edition took place on April 6, 1997, with 750 participants. Among them, unexpectedly, was Marco Pantani. A group of cyclists in unmistakable yellow jerseys arrived at the start line, and when asked if they could participate, one of them replied: 'They told me there is a race. I came with a group of friends. Can we do it too?' It was Il Pirata himself. That moment — Pantani showing up at a brand-new gran fondo — became founding mythology. From Cervia's ancient salt pans to the Romagna hills. The 156 km Gran Fondo contains 7,260 feet of climbing and is a great early season test. There is also a 100km Medio Fondo.
 
Ex-pro Alberto Nardin (MG.K Vis-Promotech-FMB) attacked in the latter part of the race to solo to win in 3:31:08. Francesco Di Felice was second 2m 55s behind and Danilo Celano was third 6m 41s behind. Alberto Nardin has become one of the most dominant figures in Italian gran fondo racing, stacking major wins across 2024–2025, including Matildica, Alassio, and Il Lombardia. Here’s a clean, structured rundown of his confirmed victories from the latest reports. Nardin recently won the 2026 Strade Bianche.
 
Alberto Nardin (MG.K Vis-Promotech-FMB) attacked in the latter part of the race to solo to win in 3:31:08
 
In the women's race,  Elisa Leardini (ASD Vibrata Bike 2005) attacked to take victory in a time of 3:50:02, Roberta Bussone second nearly 3 minutes behind and Giulia Medri third over 10 minutes behind. Elisa Leardini has emerged as one of Italy’s most successful granfondo racers in 2024–2025, with multiple confirmed victories including the 2025 UCI Granfondo Matildica and the 2025 Gran Fondo Città di Livorno.
 
Elisa Leardini (ASD Vibrata Bike 2005) attacked to take victory in a time of 3:50:02
 
2026 Granfondo Via del Sale Men's Top 10
 
1 NARDIN Alberto MG.K VIS-PROMOTECH-FMB 3:31:08.19
2 DI FELICE Francesco TEAM GO FAST +2:55.51
3 CELANO Danilo ASD TEAM GO FAST +6:41.86
4 IMPELLIZZERI Simone TEAM DA-TOR / ISB M +6:42.38
5 BONGIORNO Francesco Manuel MG.K VIS-PROMOTECH-FMB +9:44.75
6 VAI Francesco ASD PROGRAMMA AUTO +9:44.82
7 IPPOLITO Stefano TEAM FACTOR HICARI STEMAX +9:44.95
8 PANTANO Davide TEAM GARDA MATERGIA +9:45.06
9 FELLETTI Andrea MG. KVIS PROMOTECH FMB +9:45.22
10 BAESSO Alberto ASD PROGRAMMA AUTO +9:45.51
 
2026 Granfondo Via del Sale Women's Top 10
 
1 LEARDINI Elisa ASD VIBRATA BIKE 200 3:50:02.73
2 BUSSONE Roberta MG. KVIS PROMOTECH FMB +3:27.69
3 MEDRI Giulia ASD GIANLUCA FAENZA TEAM +10:51.03
4 VERNIA Elena TEAM IACCOBIKE A.S.D. +15:40.08
5 BENEDET Elisa ACSI NAZIONALE ROMA +26:26.94
6 COSENTINO Caris PERUGINO ASD +27:45.70
7 LA PISCOPIA Erika CTBS ASD +27:47.11
8 RAGAZZINI Isabella PEDAL CLUB OFFICINA A PEDALI +38:00.78
9 QUAGLIO Alessia A.S.D. TEAM ARMISTIZIO +43:09.39
10 ETOSSI Simona ASD TEAM DUEBI +43:09.54
 
2026 Granfondo Via del Sale Results: https://www.endu.net/en/events/granfondo-la-via-del-sale/results