The 2026 Barolo-Sanremo Bike is about to start. Get in the saddle and join us!

From the Langhe to the sea in four stages, savoring the pleasure of cycling without haste

Claiming that the Barolo-Sanremo by bike is a journey of discovery isn’t just another slogan. Nor is saying that taking on the experience with Erik Rolando as your guide represents added value from every perspective—human perhaps even more than technical. Because the evenings in his company, especially if there’s a guitar around, are hard to forget. Not to mention the fact that this itinerary is his “creation,” designed in every detail to make the experience as rewarding as possible. And then… then there’s the landscape, the environments that change incredibly from day to day, especially in spring, and which are all truly unique. For those who already know them, crossing them at the slow pace of two pedals will be like seeing them for the first time. For those who have only heard of the Langhe, the Ligurian Alps, and the Ligurian hinterland, it will be like immersing yourself in a surprisingly authentic world: an adventure for all the senses. And once you arrive in the presence of the sea, it’s only natural to be moved.

THE CYCLING GUIDE WHO WILL ACCOMPANY YOU

Erik Rolando. National and regional cycling sports guide since the early 2000s, National Instructor of the Italian Cycling Federation, a great enthusiast of mountains, mountain biking, and cycle touring, he loves combining bikepacking rides or single tracks with the conviviality of a mountain hut and the good mood added by local cuisine and folklore.

THE ITINERARY

The itinerary crosses a territory with a unique landscape morphology: during the first part of the trip, you pass from hilly areas to Alpine peaks, which allows you to enjoy wide panoramas that—from the most significant summits—offer a priceless view of the Ligurian Sea.

The route has also been designed to take advantage of the dense network of roads and paths, particularly suited to cycle tourism, which connect slopes and ridges. No less important is the rich layering of local cultures and historical human presence, evidenced by villages, structures such as farmhouses, mountain houses, chestnut drying sheds, alpine huts, and agricultural crops: from vineyards you pass to chestnut groves, pastures, and Ligurian terraces.

The stages wind for about two-thirds through the south of the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont, and for one-third in the province of Imperia, in Western Liguria. The geographical context includes the Langhe district (starting from Barolo), the Monregalese area (with Vicoforte as the border between the Langhe and the Alps), the alpine zone of the upper Tanaro Valley (with Ormea and Briga Alta and the Marguareis Natural Park), the Ligurian alpine hinterland (with the Ligurian Alps Natural Park, of high environmental value), and finally the coastal area of Sanremo, also known for the Riviera dei Fiori cycle path.

The first stage (65 kilometers) falls entirely within the Langhe: starting from Barolo with its vineyards, it reaches Serralunga d’Alba with its magnificent castle, and climbs towards the Alta Langa with its breathtaking views over the Cuneo plain and the Alpine arc. From Murazzano, the journey leads to the Church of San Fiorenzo in Bastia Mondovì to arrive, in the Monregalesi Langhe sector, at the Sanctuary of Vicoforte.

The second stage (65 kilometers) leads from the rolling Monregalesi hills into the woods of the Val Corsaglia, known for the Bossea Caves. Cycling through lush vegetation and vast panoramas in the Ligurian Alps, you reach the ancient village of Valcasotto, a place for aging fine cheeses, but also famous for the nearby Royal Castle of Casotto. After the village, you face the first real alpine pass at almost 1,400 meters above sea level before descending into the Tanaro Valley to reach Ormea, a city characterized by a rich history, typical cuisine, and a unique dialect.

The third stage (45 kilometers) takes place entirely in the upper Tanaro Valley: from Ormea you reach Briga Alta, then find yourself cycling along one of the most spectacular paved roads in the Alps, between steep cliffs, woods of Scots pine, mountain pine, and larch, crossing the spectacular Gola delle Fascette. Leaving the gorge, the view opens onto green pastures and the Bosco delle Navette. From the picturesque village of Upega, you climb to the Colletta delle Salse, immersed in the coniferous forest and along a dirt road and a mule track parallel to the Via del Sale, before arriving at Piaggia.

The fourth stage (60/80 kilometers depending on whether you pass through Realdo or Triora) starts from Piaggia and immediately crosses into the province of Imperia. After a few kilometers of paved road, you start climbing a beautiful military road towards the Colle del Garezzo at 1,771 meters above sea level, in the Ligurian Alps Natural Park. After a short tunnel, you continue on the military road that cuts across the southern slope of Monte Saccarello, at an altitude between 1,450 and 1,750 meters, offering unique views of the peaks and the nearby Ligurian Sea. You continue in a constant descent through beautiful villages like Triora. You join the provincial road of the Valle Argentina which, in a few kilometers of easy descent, leads to Taggia, the last stone village you pass through. From here, you continue on a dedicated bike lane to the Western Ligurian coast cycle path and in a few kilometers you arrive in Sanremo, the destination of the trip.