Ostricando 2026: a practical guide for visitors

On Sunday 25 October, the ride starts from Pila fish market. Here is everything you need to arrive prepared: timings, routes, kit, registration and ideas for the rest of the weekend.

We told the story of Ostricando, the pink oyster and the fishermen hosting this year's event here:

The story of Ostricando 2026

This is the practical page—the one to open the night before. Three weeks remain and the 400 places are running out.

The day, hour by hour

• 7.30 am — Registration desk opens and free starts begin from Pila fish market, Porto Tolle, among fish crates and boats returning at dawn.
• Morning — Rotta della Sacca (60 km) or Rotta del Levante (90 km), ridden at your own pace with a GPX track. No rankings and no stopwatch.
• Halfway — Feed stop at Molo dell'Ostrica, at the Scardovari consortium: oysters opened by their farmers, fried fish and a glass of wine.
• From 1 pm — La Tavola del Delta back in Pila: lunch prepared by the Pila fishermen's cooperative (for full-package entrants; companions are welcome).
• By 7 pm — Event closes.

In bad weather, the event moves to Sunday 1 November.

Which route should you choose?

Rotta della Sacca, 60 km: a loop around the Sacca degli Scardovari, with flat gravel levees, lagoons and silence. Ideal if you ride once a month or use an e-bike; at an easy pace it takes about three and a half hours including stops.

Rotta del Levante, 90 km: continues to Porto Levante between river and sea, with a second light feed stop called Pausa a Levante. Choose it if four hours in the saddle feels comfortable and you want to see two river mouths in one day.

Climbs? They do not exist in the Delta. Wind is what matters: with an easterly blowing, you will feel all 90 kilometres.

What to pack

• Gravel bike, mountain bike or e-bike; a road bike with narrow tyres is not recommended because of the gravel levees.
• A helmet is compulsory and lights are recommended: late-October mornings start in low light.
• Puncture kit and inner tube: there are no bike shops on the levees.
• Layers: it is cold at 7.30 am but may be warm by midday. Pack light gloves and a windproof jacket.
• A full water bottle and a snack: the first feed stop comes halfway through.
• ID and your entry confirmation on your phone.

The route follows roads and levees open to traffic: riders are self-supported and must follow the Highway Code.

Entry options

• Route Only — €24.90: choice of route, GPX track and tasting feed stop at Molo dell'Ostrica.
• Route + lunch at Pila fish market — €49.90: everything above, plus La Tavola del Delta with two dishes of your choice and water.
• 400 places, with no extensions. Adults only; under-18s may enter with a parental waiver.
• Entry fees are non-refundable; until 10 October they may be converted into credit for the 2027 edition.

Enter at ostricando.it

WhatsApp information: +39 346 686 8151. Organised by Bottega Bike and Veneto Delta Po (Consorzio Delta Pool Service), together with the fishermen's cooperatives and under the patronage of the Veneto Po Delta Regional Park.

For non-riders

Companions can plan a day of their own: visit the fish market at dawn, drive to the Sacca degli Scardovari and Molo dell'Ostrica, then join riders for lunch at La Tavola del Delta.

The day for non-riders

Make a weekend of it

Ostricando takes place on Sunday, but the Delta deserves two nights. On Saturday, take a boat trip to the Pila river mouth or an easy warm-up ride along the levees, followed by a fish dinner.

Exploring the Po Delta by boat

Cycling in the Po Delta

On Sunday evening, once the event ends, the Delta empties out—often the best time to see it. Porto Tolle is only minutes from Pila: staying here means arriving at registration rested at 7.30 am, with secure bike storage and an early breakfast available on request.

Frequently asked questions

Enter at ostricando.it