Bike Festival Riva 2025: 7 must-dos at the start of the season on Lake Garda
A few weeks ago there was some uncertainty as to whether the Bike Festival in Riva would take place at all. Phewhh... it quickly became clear: Only the huge Expo area stretches a few hundred metres further along the beach. So nothing stands in the way of bikers kicking off the season together and we'll see you at the wonderful Lago di Garda on 1 May 2025!
The idea of the festival has not changed: starting the season with like-minded people, talking shop, celebrating and enjoying the dolce vita. The number of visitors has increased more than tenfold since the premiere in 1994. Races such as the established bike marathon are now an integral part of the event - and are even listed by the UCI. Just like the growing Expo area, where a number of manufacturers present their new products for the first time this season. So our tip is the same as it was 30 years ago: head to Riva! Date: 1 to 4 May 2024. More info at bikefestivalriva.com
7 must-dos in Riva - for the perfect start to the season on Lake Garda
1 - Stroll across the Expo site
At the start of the new season, manufacturers will be presenting their new developments for the first time. The exhibitors are also looking forward to talking shop about their products. Some manufacturers also offer accessories for practical testing.
2 - Start in a race
The marathon group should not miss the Bike Marathon on Saturday morning. For e-bikers, we recommend the Bosch eMTB Challenge, an enduro race with various stages that have to be mastered without prior training - great fun guaranteed!
3 - Explore Lake Garda trails
If you've had enough of the festival hustle and bustle, you should set off on one of the trail gems. We recommend the Naranch Trail. Either take the shuttle to the trail entrance or crank up under your own steam (1300 metres in altitude).
4 - Ride trail classics
The cult trail 601 on the Altissimo has been considered an absolute test of courage for decades. Anyone who wanted to call themselves a mountain biker in the 90s had to get down there. Even with modern bikes, the trail is a real challenge. Nevertheless, it's a must for die-hards.
5 - Blitz-Ride on the Brione
We've all been there: you've got lost and there's not enough daylight left for a big tour. We have the solution: a fast trail ride on the Brione. Although the single trail only has a few metres of elevation gain, it can be reached in no time and is also great fun to ride.
6 - Celebrate at the Open Night
Bike Festival is also party time! At the opening on Thursday, the Red Bull Summer Vibes will get the party started. On the Saturday of the festival, it's party time. Expo stands become party spots - free beer included. Don't miss it!
7 - Enjoy the best ice cream
One thing is certain: in the end, the scene meets at the Flora ice cream parlour in Riva.
Race dates at the Bike Festival 2025
At the BIKE Festival in Riva del Garda, there are other races in addition to the big marathon. Here is an overview of the dates.
02.05 MAXXIS Gravel Garda Trentino
Start 8:30 - 9:30 am
The gravel bike race in Riva del Garda is entering its second round! Three timed stages, breathtaking routes and Italian specialities make this event a real highlight. Choose between the 100 km (1,750 m elevation gain) or the 65 km (480 m elevation gain) route and experience a race that is more than just making kilometres.
- Length: from 65 to 100 km
- Difference in altitude: 451 - 1,750 altitude metres
- Start: Parco Miralago, Riva del Garda
- Price: from 39 to 44 euros
02.05 Bosch eMTB Challenge
Start 9:30 am
The Bosch eMTB Challenge offers a varied mix of uphill, downhill and orientation and is designed for riding with electric assistance. An exciting experience for all mountain bike athletes, from professional to amateur.
- Length: 5 stages (Amateur) | 6 stages (Advanced) | 7 stages (Pro)
- Difference in altitude: approx. 1000 metres
- Start: Parco Miralago, Riva del Garda
- Price: from 39 to 44 euros
03.05 Bike Marathon
Start 07:30 am
The legendary bike marathon at the Bike Festival is your ultimate ride on epic trails with crisp climbs and fast descents. Open to ambitious racers or passionate hobby bikers - only one thing counts here: Riding Freedom!
Ronda Extrema: 83 km | 3,400 m elevation gain - The ultimate challenge for all those who are also looking for UCI points.
Ronda Grande: 59 km | 2,400 m elevation gain - Perfect mix of flow and challenge.
Ronda Piccola: 30 km | 1,065 m elevation gain - your perfect introduction to the marathon feeling.
- Length: from 30.67 to 82.77 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,065 / 2,406 / 3,434 altitude metres
- Start: Viale Dante Alighieri (old town centre of Riva)
- Price: from 60 to 85 euros
03.05 Start eBike Marathon
Start 07:55 am
Have you always wanted to take part in the Bike Marathon... but the metres in altitude have held you back? Now's your chance: the eBike Marathon gives you the opportunity to be part of the legendary event at the Bike Festival Riva del Garda!
- Length: 48 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,700 metres
- Start: Viale Dante, Riva del Garda
- Price: 50 Euro
04.05 SCOTT Junior Trophy
Start 10:30 - 12:00 a.m. Years 2022 - 2017
Start 12:30 - 14:00 Years 2016 - 2011
At the SCOTT Junior Trophy, children experience an exciting mountain bike race in the footsteps of the pros, where fun and great experiences take centre stage: every participant is a beaming winner with a personal finisher's medal. And they absolutely deserve it!
- Length: from 250 m to 3.5 km
- Height difference: 0 m
- Start: Parco Miralago, Riva del Garda
- Price: 10 Euro
Further dates 2025
24 May: BIKE Marathon (Willingen)
With around 2000 participants, the BIKE Marathon is also one of the sporting highlights of the BIKE Festival in Willingen (23 May - 25 May 2025), also with three distances: 34 km, 72 km, 110 km. On the long course, there are 2930 metres of elevation gain and valuable UCI points for all those with a UCI ID. Inform & register here
12 - 14 September 2025 BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang
The BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang promises unforgettable experiences for bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, as the Epic Bikepark Leogang and the surrounding trails offer the perfect conditions to put the brand new mountain bike models through their paces. Away from the trails, the festival offers an extensive supporting programme with workshops and tour experiences from the BIKE Academy, live music, culinary delights and exciting exhibitions all about mountain biking. Inform & register here
26-28 September Gravel Ground - The gravel event at Ewald Colliery
The biggest gravel testival in Germany! Let yourself be carried away by the trails, feel the crackling under your tyres and discover Europe's largest slag heap landscape. Here you will become one with your bike, meet an enthusiastic community and experience breathtaking side events. Whether you're a gravel newbie or a pro - this is the place to let yourself fall into the flow of gravel. Inform & register here
Laurin Lehner
Editor
