Veneto Classic

Late-season Italian one-day racing in the Veneto hills
WhenThird Sunday in October
CourseOne Day
SinceTBA
CategoryProSeries
Why watch?

One of the final chances to race in Italy before winter, decided on steep climbs and cobbled finales in the Veneto hills.

Overview

Veneto Classic

Veneto Classic is a men's one-day race held in northeastern Italy each October. Part of the late-season Italian calendar, it typically features hilly terrain and a challenging finish that rewards climbers who can handle steep gradients and technical descents.

Part of the Italian Autumn Classics sequence that closes out the northern racing calendar.

Race Notes
UpdatedMarch 5, 2026
MarketUnited States

Race hubs are the canonical route for evergreen context, route notes, and current watch destinations. Broadcast rights can move by market, and edition-level details stay current when race week approaches.

Why this race matters

This is end-of-season racing with something to prove. Held after the Monument and the major stage races have finished, Veneto Classic attracts riders chasing a final result before winter or testing form ahead of the off-season. The Veneto region delivers rolling terrain, late-autumn weather, and finales that can split quickly when the road tilts up.

Route DNA

The race is typically decided in the final 25 kilometers, where climbs like the Passo di Ganda create the first serious selection before a steep, often cobbled finale. Expect positioning battles on the descents and accelerations on any late climb that offers a launching pad. The winner usually emerges from a small group that survives the final ascent, where gradients can exceed ten percent and the cobbles punish hesitation. Riders who can handle repeated changes of pace and technical climbing on tired legs tend to feature.

Veneto hills and cobbles

The race features hilly terrain in the Veneto region, with steep climbs and cobbled sections that test bike handling and climbing ability.

Autumn Italian classic

Held in October as part of the Italian autumn sequence, the race sits late enough in the calendar to catch riders in peak late-season form or fatigue.

Punchy finale

The closing kilometers include steep gradients that can exceed 10%, creating a selective finish that rewards explosive climbing power.

Iconic Moments

Memorable Editions

2021

Battistella wins the first edition

Italian rider Samuele Battistella won the inaugural Veneto Classic, establishing the race immediately as a genuine Italian autumn test.

2023

Formolo wins on home roads

Davide Formolo won for Italy on Veneto terrain, connecting the young race to local pride and the tradition of Italian riders winning Italian races.

Iconic Victories

Marc Hirschi

Won in 2022 with an attacking ride on the steep Veneto climbs. Hirschi aggressive style is perfectly suited to the punchy terrain.

Magnus Cort

The 2024 winner brought Scandinavian versatility to an Italian autumn race, winning from a late move on terrain that rewards bold racing.

Davide Formolo

The Italian won in 2023 on home roads. His victory carried local significance in a race that was still building its identity.

Signature Landmarks
Climb

Passo di Ganda

A steep climb that features in the closing kilometers. Gradients that can exceed 10% create the decisive selection point.

Terrain

Veneto foothills

The pre-Alpine hills of the Veneto provide the rolling, punchy terrain that gives the race its climbing character.