A late-season Italian memorial race honoring one of cycling's most celebrated climbers
Memorial Marco Pantani
A September memorial race in Italy that carries the name of Marco Pantani and typically features terrain suited to aggressive, attacking racing.
- Location
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- When
- Second Saturday in September
- Course
- One Day
- Most recent winner
- 🇪🇸 Ion Izagirre (2026)
- Category
- Men’s Continental
About Memorial Marco Pantani
Memorial Marco Pantani is a men's one-day bike race on the continental calendar in Italy, held each September. The race honors Marco Pantani, the Italian climber who won the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in 1998, and typically attracts a field of continental and development riders.
Named for Marco Pantani, the Italian climber who won the Giro and Tour in 1998.
This is the kind of late-season Italian race where young riders and continental professionals get a chance to race in the name of one of the sport's most iconic climbers. The September date and Italian location usually deliver warm weather, aggressive racing, and a field willing to take risks. It is not a monument, but it carries emotional weight and often produces entertaining finales.
Memorial Marco Pantani winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 🇪🇸Ion Izagirre |
| 2025 | 🇮🇹Andrea Bagioli |
| 2024 | 🇸🇮Tadej Pogacar |
| 2023 | 🇮🇹Giulio Pellizzari |
| 2022 | 🇮🇹Vincenzo Albanese |
2026 results
This edition is complete.
Memorial Marco Pantani route
The course typically features rolling or hilly terrain in the Emilia-Romagna region, with enough climbing to reward aggressive riders but not so much that it becomes a pure climber's race. Expect repeated accelerations, positioning battles on narrow roads, and a finale that favors riders who can handle changes of pace. The race is usually decided by a small group or a solo move in the final hour, and the continental-level field means the racing can be unpredictable. Weather in September is generally warm and dry, though late-summer storms can add an element of chaos.
What shapes the race
Race type
Italian one-day race in Emilia-Romagna honoring Marco Pantani, the legendary Italian climber.
Typical winner
A puncheur or young talent comfortable on rolling Italian roads. The race sits at the continental level but occasionally attracts WorldTour stars.
Signature landmarks
Emilia-Romagna and Pantani's hometown of Cesenatico.
- City
Cesenatico
Pantani's hometown on the Adriatic coast, the spiritual center of the race.
- Terrain
Emilia-Romagna hills
Rolling terrain through the region that produced Pantani and countless Italian champions.
History
Iconic victories
Tadej Pogacar
Won in 2024, the reigning Tour and Giro champion honoring one of cycling's most beloved climbers.
Marco Pantani (namesake)
The race honors the 1998 Giro and Tour double winner from Cesenatico, one of the most iconic climbers in history.
Eras and records
A memorial race for one of cycling's most iconic climbers.
Heritage
Named for Marco Pantani (1970-2004), the Italian climber who won the Giro and Tour in 1998.