Bike Festival Riva del Garda 2025The highlights from the festival in the live blog

Let's go! The bike festival in Riva is traditionally the season opener for bikers.
Photo: Patrick Wasshuber
The 31st Bike Festival Riva del Garda is over. From 1 to 4 May, the scene came together for the traditional start of the season on Lake Garda! You can read all the information and highlights once again in our festival blog.

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Four days of sun, biking, innovations and a good atmosphere

Despite the relocation of the Expo site at short notice, Riva was also able to shine in full at the 31st edition of the Bike Festival. The traditional kick-off to the bike season attracted over 80,000 bike enthusiasts to Lago di Garda. In addition to the exciting new products, which could be diligently tried out, the focus was on the idea of participation. The Bike Marathon, Bosch eMTB Challenge, MAXXIS Gravel Garda Trentino and, last but not least, the Scott Junior Trophy attracted over 2,500 participants in dusty, dry conditions.

But even without a race number on the handlebars, there was little chance of boredom. Guided tours, bike shows, various test options and the Open Night on Saturday evening rounded off the full programme. Stars such as Danny MacAskill, Gee Atherton and Hans Rey were of course not to be missed. Another highlight of this year's festival was the premiere of the Bike Festival Riva Future Summit, where the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in the field of cycling were discussed. The presentation of the coveted Bike Festival Awards for the best bikes and the most exciting innovation of the year has also established itself as a permanent fixture in Riva del Garda.

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If you missed the date, you should already register now for the 1 to 3 May 2026 for the 32nd edition of the festival in red in your diary. All information under bikefestivalriva.com/en

All the highlights in the BIKE live blog

Last year saw the anniversary edition of the Bike Festival on Lake Garda. The BIKE editorial team reported in detail on the 30th edition of the traditional season starter in the live blog - and it was well received. That's why we also reported live and directly from Riva this year. Of course with the latest product highlights, the stars of the scene like Danny MacAskill or Gee Atherton. We were also at the races and didn't miss out on the celebrations at the Open Night on Saturday evening.

Our live blog for the Bike Festival Riva 2025

Bike Festival Riva del Garda 2025

  • Over 1500 test bikes from gravel to mountain to e-bike
  • Over 350 brands will be represented over the 4 days of the Expo
  • Around 2500 active bikers take part in the races
  • 7 races and side events are on the programme
  • As always, the Open Night on the Expo site and the festival party in the harbour will take place on Saturday
  • Three kids' areas provide fun and entertainment for the next generation of bikers
In addition to Specialized, various other well-known manufacturers will be represented on the site with their product highlights and test bikes.Photo: Bike Festival Riva del GardaIn addition to Specialized, various other well-known manufacturers will be represented on the site with their product highlights and test bikes.

What else do you need to do? Register!


Sustainable and barrier-free

The FSA Bike Festival Riva del Garda has long attached great importance to sustainability and consistently implements this focus. This year, the festival has signed the UCI Climate Action Charter and is working with the UCI to accurately measure the event's carbon footprint.

The charter aims to reduce the environmental impact of cycling and promote the benefits of increased bicycle use for sustainable development. The festival attaches particular importance to working with schools and social organisations to implement sustainable projects for the event.

There will be no disposable cups on the exhibition grounds. The drinks stands will only use recyclable plastic cups. These can either be taken away by visitors or returned to the stand to be cleaned and reused. In addition, cutlery, plates and napkins are made from environmentally friendly and recyclable materials.

Water dispensers on the site ensure sufficient hydration for all participants - without disposable cups and plastic waste.Photo: Bike Festival Riva del GardaWater dispensers on the site ensure sufficient hydration for all participants - without disposable cups and plastic waste.

Free water dispensers are available throughout the site to ensure that everyone has plenty of fresh water. You can bring your own water bottle, use the sturdy event cup made from recycled plastic or purchase the official festival water bottle made from sustainable and biodegradable materials at the Bike Festival Riva merchandise stand.

Sustainability at the FSA Bike Festival Riva del Garda also includes accessibility. Accessible paths, car parks and toilets make it easier for everyone to enjoy the Expo site. The entire event is designed so that it can also be enjoyed by people with reduced mobility, visual impairments or other disabilities.

Last year, the FSA Bike Festival Riva del Garda was the first event in Trentino to receive the Marchio Open certificate. This certificate is awarded by the Agency for Social Cohesion of the Autonomous Province of Trento and certifies that the event is fully accessible.

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Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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