IMBA Italia Gathering 2026: the Italian MTB community’s leading annual gathering returns October 24–25 in Nimis/Neme (UD), in the heart of the Torre Valleys.
The Gathering brings together riders and enthusiasts, trail professionals, local officials, tourism operators, and community organizations, all united by a shared vision of mountain biking as a tool for sustainable local development.
Now in its sixth edition, the Gathering is coming to Friuli Venezia Giulia for the first time, with events taking place across Nimis/Neme, Tarcento/Čenta, and Lusevera/Bardo. The 2026 edition will also feature international speakers for the first time, alongside some of the most influential voices in Italy’s MTB scene.
This year’s theme, “Trails as a Commons: Local Communities and Outdoor Recreation for New Place-Based Identities,” puts trail infrastructure, local governance, and sustainable development front and center.
Saturday’s program will feature presentations, a panel discussion, IMBA Italia activities and workshops, conversations with local organizations, additional activities, and a networking dinner.
Sunday will focus on hands-on experiences in the field, including a social ride and workshops.
The event is designed to inform and inspire people working in mountain biking and related fields, providing practical knowledge and expertise in community building, visitor management, MTB tourism, and trail and route planning and construction.
Other key goals include improving trail accessibility, promoting responsible coexistence among different trail users, building more inclusive and diverse MTB communities, and supporting the sustainable development of tourism and trail construction.
The Gathering also provides a platform for cities, regions, and destinations looking to showcase the benefits of their MTB projects. It creates opportunities for dialogue and knowledge-sharing among small and medium-sized businesses, universities, forestry departments, policymakers, tourism organizations, MTB guides, cycling media, public agencies, and civil society organizations.
For the first time, international speakers will bring perspectives on the economics of cycling tourism, protected-area management, European trail management, and major cross-border routes.
Speakers include Mark Torsius of IMBA Europe, Tadej Tekavčič of Golovec Trails, Pinar Pinzuti of the Cycle Tourism Show and EuroVelo Council, Andrea Benesso, Andreas Holzer of Region Villach Tourismus GmbH, Pietro Ielpo of Sirino Gravity, and Massimiliano Misdaris of Maglia Nera APS.
The Gathering will also offer a chance to explore real-world examples of trail infrastructure and trail-building projects through hands-on activities in the local area.
Spots are limited—reserve your spot and join IMBA Italia’s annual gathering and conference.
