Gran Piemonte cycling race begins in Asti

The 2026 edition of the Gran Piemonte international cycling race begins today, October 8, in Asti, Italy. Organized by RCS Sport, the 185-kilometer course starts in Piazza Alfieri and concludes in Bra. The route features a flat opening hour followed by hilly terrain with approximately 2,500 meters of climbing, ultimately deciding the race on a final circuit with several ascents.

Due to the event, significant traffic restrictions and parking bans have been implemented in Asti. Road closures and vehicle circulation prohibitions are in effect for Piazza Alfieri, Piazza Libertà, Piazza Campo del Palio, Corso Alfieri, Piazza Porta Torino, Corso Torino, Corso alla Vittoria, and Corso Einaudi to ensure participant safety.

In terms of competition, the race profile favors explosive riders capable of both climbing and sprinting. While the course is not excessively difficult, the uphill finish in Bra is expected to play a decisive role. Teams such as UAE Team Emirates are noted as strong contenders for the title.