Gran Fondo Matildica-Merida takes place on Sun, Sep 13, 2026 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The main route is 126 km.
- Date
- Sun, Sep 13, 2026
- Start
- Reggio Emilia 🇮🇹
- Distance
- 126 km
- Climbing
- 1,450 m
- Level
- Open to all
Granfondo Matildica is a long-standing Italian road cycling event starting in Reggio Emilia that features challenging climbs through the Reggio Emilia Apennines and serves as a UCI Gran Fondo World Series stage.
Official event pageWhat this race demands
This 126 km gran fondo requires sustaining a strong pace across 1450 meters of climbing through the Apennines over several hours of road riding.
Climbing capacity
The route features 1450 meters of elevation gain across the Reggio Emilia Apennines, demanding efficient climbing technique and sustained power output.
Aerobic endurance
Covering 126 kilometers requires a high level of aerobic conditioning and the ability to maintain steady efforts over an extended duration in the saddle.
Group riding skills
As part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, the event requires the ability to ride efficiently and safely within large pelotons.
Expect a duration exceeding four hours, requiring a steady intake of 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour to sustain output.
What would it take you?
Pick the level closest to yours for an estimate of finish time on this course and the training a solid preparation needs.
Estimated finish
5:05–6:10
Peak-week training
6–8 h/week
A model estimate from distance, climbing and level, not a promise. Conditions, drafting and pacing move it.
IntervalCoach turns those weekly hours into a concrete plan built around your actual fitness. Start with this race as your goal
Your road to race day
Race day at Gran Fondo Matildica-Merida is 3 weeks away. This is how a coach divides that time. The first phase starts now.
01Taper2 weeks · Aug 24, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026
Volume drops while intensity stays: short, sharp efforts keep the legs awake as fatigue drains away.
02Race week1 week · Sep 7, 2026 – Sep 13, 2026
Openers, rest and logistics. The work is done; the job now is arriving fresh.
Similar races
Organising this race?