Riva del Garda, May 1, 2026. Bright sunshine, ideal conditions and a palpable sense of excitement: the 32nd FSA Bike Festival is underway, and Riva del Garda has once again become a hotspot for the international bike scene through Sunday. From the lakeside Expo Area to guided tours, exciting races and a wide range of side events, the festival captures what it’s all about: riding together, discovering new products, and embracing the Italian way of life.
A Festival of the Future
In the run-up to the event, the ITRS workshop and Bike Festival Future Summit on AI & the outdoors provided the first highlights, ahead of the official launch on the Expo Area’s main stage today. Tatjana Finger, an AI expert, believes that in the future we will all have a “best buddy” in our ear — our co-pilot and super assistant. “It’s a pleasure to see so many people from so many countries here on the very first day – a sign that the event is getting better and better every year,” said Silvio Rigatti, President of the Garda Dolomiti S.p.A. tourism company. The FSA Bike Festival is an important European player for outdoor activities, sport, tourism and, above all, sustainability. Oskar Schwazer, General Manager of Garda Dolomiti S.p.A., highlighted the latest developments: “The event continues to evolve. With new formats, a stronger focus on sustainability, and its recognition as the first destination to be awarded ITRS Gold, we are looking forward to the coming days.”
Uli Stanciu, the “Papà” of the Bike Festival, emphasised not only the beauty of the region but also the event’s pioneering role: “I‘m delighted that our concept from back then still holds true today. The Bike Festival has always been a festival of the future.” Also in attendance were representatives of the city council, FSA Managing Director Edoardo Girardi and Elisabetta Gutterer, representing Trentino Marketing.
Bike Festival Award 2026
The secret was revealed shortly afterwards: which products would take home the Bike Festival Award 2026? Presented in three categories, the awards recognise the year’s most outstanding innovations. The Gravel Bikes Award went to Scott for the Scott Solace Gravel 20.
The Innovation Award went to Uvex for the CCubed Padding System. The Sustainability Award was presented to Vittoria for the Terreno PRO Gravel Race project.
Behind the awards lie three days of intensive jury work, during which all members contributed to the entry evaluation with their technical expertise. The products were examined in detail, discussed and assessed from various perspectives. Chaired by Uli Stanciu, the jury comprised design and innovation experts such as Giampaolo Allocco, Marco Menin, Fiorenza Baratti, Michael Rieder, and editor and gravel expert Sandra Schuberth. “I was impressed by the versatility of the products. The award highlights outstanding products and provides guidance,” says jury member Michael Rieder.
Festival action in full swing
Many visitors were already testing out the latest bikes on the first day of the festival, whilst different tours offered an opportunity to explore the region around Lake Garda for the first time. The sold-out Bosch eMTB Challenge thrilled over 250 participants. Live podcasts, guided tours and the Red Bull Summer Vibes Party rounded off the programme. Saturday will bring the highlight of the weekend with the legendary Bike Marathon, followed by the MAXXIS Gravel Garda Trentino and the Scott Junior Trophy on Sunday.
