Leardini and Nardin Triumph at the 2025 UCI Granfondo Matildica
The 2025 UCI Granfondo Matildica delivered thrilling competition as Italian cyclists Alberto Nardin and Elisa Leardini claimed top honors in a spectacular race through the historic heart of Reggio Emilia
The event, which attracted 300 of the nation’s best riders, showcased endurance, skill, and fierce determination on a challenging 153 km course featuring 2,150 meters of ascent.
Starting and finishing within Reggio Emilia’s ancient city walls, the race tested competitors with swift climbs following a flat start. Alberto Nardin (TEAM BCP BIKE A.S.D.) sprinted to victory in the men’s elite race, crossing the finish line in an impressive 4:00:57 from a breakaway group of six riders. Hot on his heels were Mikel Demiri (TEAM PROMOTECH - MG K-VIS) and Simone Impellizzeri (TEAM DA-TOR / ISB), who secured second and third places respectively.
In the women’s race, Elisa Leardini (MG-K VIS OLMO PROMTECH) powered ahead solo, finishing in 4:31:32. Virginia Becchetti (A.S.D. PEDALE ROSA) and Patrizia Romanello (TORPADO KENDA FSA) rounded out the podium, placing second and third.
The excitement continued in the 126 km Medio Fondo, where Italian Alberto Brini (CAPITANI MINUTERIA METALLICHE) out-sprinted rivals Lorenzo Visani and Flavio Serafini, finishing in 3:15:58. The women’s Medio Fondo saw 53-year-old Michela Gorini (SANTINI SQUADRA CORSE) claim victory in 3:33:49, earning her a spot at the 2026 UCI Granfondo World Championships in Japan. Elena Vernia and Eleonora Calvi di Coenzo completed the top three in this fiercely competitive category.
“We are thrilled with the incredible performances and the spirit of competition shown by all riders,” said event director Marco Rossi. “The Granfondo Matildica continues to be a highlight on the cycling calendar, offering a perfect blend of history, challenge, and community. Congratulations to all winners and qualifiers advancing to next year’s world championships.”
Top 25% finishers in each age and gender category earned automatic qualification for the 2026 UCI Granfondo World Championships in Japan next year, promising an exciting lineup of Italian talent on the global stage next year.