The Giro della Montagna (“Tour of the Mountain”) is The Hill’s professional bicycle race and a cornerstone of the Gateway Cup. Lifelong Hill resident Joe Torrisi started it in 1986. It was first held over the Fourth of July weekend and became part of the Gateway Cup in 1998.
When it happens
The Giro is the Sunday race of the Gateway Cup over Labor Day weekend. It ran on August 31 in 2025 and September 6 in 2026. Dates for 2027 had not been announced as of October 2026.
What to expect
- The course: racers start and finish in front of St. Ambrose Church. Organizers say the course is called “The Hill” for a reason: the race is often decided on the climb from Turn 2 to Turn 3, and Turn 4 opens into a fast downhill sprint.
- A full day of racing: in 2026, the first race went off at 10:20 am and the Men’s Pro/1 race started at 5:40 pm.
- Something for everyone: recent years have included a Trailnet recreational ride in the morning and a Big Wheel sprint for kids 12 and under.
Hundreds of spectators line the course, and Hill restaurants are steps away. Organizers ask fans not to park on the grass or in the alleys.
For more on the neighborhood’s past, see our History of The Hill timeline.
Sources: Gateway Cup – Giro della Montagna, Gateway Cup, Hill 2000 – 2026 Giro della Montagna, Hill 2000 – Giro Della Montagna (2025)
