Over 200 exhibitors, 350 brands, and 70,000 international visitors from more than 30 countries.
Numbers may not be everything, but at the Bike Festival, they reflect the intensity of the experience.
Over three decades, the Bike Festival has evolved into more than just an event; it’s become a hub for innovation, emotions, and challenges!
Synonymous with innovation and adrenaline, the Bike Festival is eagerly anticipated by riders worldwide. Its exhibition area showcases the latest technologies and market trends, while offering a rich programme of events and competitions.
The exhibition, was originally launched by journalist Uli Stanciu in the 1990s, in the hope of allowing the public to try out bicycles first-hand, creating a direct link with companies. The venue and timing were equally unique: situated in Garda Trentino, a point of connection between the azure waters of Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites, during early May, the perfect season for an extended weekend.
It all started “by chance”: in the late 1980s, Uli Stanciu and four of his friends booked a holiday to Lake Garda, in Torbole to be precise, where they planned to indulge in a spot of windsurfing. However, one day, the wind died down, prompting the four German friends to embark on a ride on their mountain bikes, a new trend that had just arrived from the USA. They embarked on a tour of the lake’s most secluded spots, and from that initial outing emerged a publication called Bike Magazine. This eventually sparked the idea of hosting an event in Garda Trentino, blending a love for cycling with a fun holiday. Taking place outdoors, rather than in a pavilion, the Bike Festival didn’t take long to attract the interest of numerous cycling industry producers and enthusiasts keen to explore the season’s latest innovations first-hand.
And so, the Bike Festival was born, which still offers an unparalleled experience: an ever-expanding expo area (with free entry), where top cycling brands showcase their latest innovations and captivate enthusiasts with product presentations and tests. Meanwhile, alongside the expo, thrilling races embrace new specialities, formats, and routes each year. The Festival has grown and evolved continuously over the years. For instance, e-MTBs have brought a completely new audience to the event more recently, and a similar trend is emerging with gravel bikes.
The main event at the Festival’s 30th edition is the Specialised Marathon, which has been awarded HC C1 classification by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), securing its place among the world’s most prestigious MTB races. It’s perfect for ambitious bikers looking to challenge themselves against the international elite. Depending on their skill level, participants can opt for three varying distances and difficulty levels, spanning picturesque trails overlooking Lake Garda: the Ronda Extrema, the Ronda Grande, and the Ronda Piccola.
The Bosch eMTB Challenge incorporates elements from enduro and trail competitions but is tailored specifically for e-bikes. During the event, participants are required to complete a series of challenges, referred to as stages, which encompass a range of uphill, downhill, and navigation tasks. Amidst panoramic vistas and exhilarating trails, adventure and intense emotions are guaranteed!
For enthusiasts of unpaved roads, the Maxxis Gravel Garda Trentino is tailored to provide action and enjoyment, whether competing or embarking on an exhilarating tour. Along the “Epic” route spanning 100 kilometres, timings are recorded on just three sections, allowing participants to take in the stunning scenery of Lake Garda and enjoy socialising at refreshment points. Alternatively, participants can opt for the Juicy route, a shorter loop spanning 65 kilometres with just one timed stage.
Last but not least, the Scott Junior Trophy promises pure adrenaline for young MTB cyclists as they cycle along the same straight as the marathon professionals, cheered on by spectators... all the way to the finish line, where everyone emerges as a winner.
2 to 5 May 2024: don’t miss it!
