Gran Fondo
The Gran Fondo is a type of long-distance road bicycle race, in which riders are individually chip timed and have the right of way at all intersections.
Contents
History
The first Gran Fondo was the Nove Colli held on July 12, 1970 held in Cesenatico, Italy.[1] With chip timing becoming more popular in the 1990s, the number of Gran Fondo events grew rapidly in Italy.
Today
Today, Gran Fondo events are held every weekend in Italy between February and October.[2] In Italy, a "dilettante" is an Elite amateur under the age of 25 trying to turn professional. Only a handful of athletes have a chance to turn pro each year. Others either end their cycling career, have to continue racing small circuit races or compete at Gran Fondos which explains the competitiveness at Gran Fondos and their popularity.
In the United States, as well as some other countries, the term “Gran Fondo” refers to both traditional Italian gran fondo events where the course is closed and timed from start to finish such as the Gran Fondo New York and Gran Fondo Whistler, as well as numerous modified gran fondo events that take place on open roads where riders must adhere to traffic rules, some with timed sections rather than fully timed courses.[3] Examples of these gran fondos include the Dubuque Gran Fondo, the Gran Fondo National Championship Series (GFNCS), and Gran Fondo New Jersey. These events encourage riders of all skill levels to participate.
The popularity of gran fondos has increased rapidly in the U.S. and in 2016, there are expected to be more than 60 gran fondo events held across the country. While many of these are not cycling marathons in the Italian tradition but are rather modified granfondos, these events are designed to provide competitive and experiential elements for both professional and recreational cyclists. In most gran fondo series, participants do not need a USA cycling license to ride.[4]
Courses
Gran Fondos are run on challenging courses that are usually between 120 km and 200 km and have between 2000m and 4000m of vertical climbing. Most events also offer a shorter and easier version.
Organization
Gran Fondos are run like bike races. They have lead and follow cars, judges, safety escort, police escort as well as technical and medical assistance. Aid stations along the course replace team cars.
Media coverage
Races are covered in regional, national or international press depending on their importance.
References
- ↑ Nove Colli
- ↑ Calendario Gran Fondo, Dalzero.it
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Further reading
- Definition of "gran fondo", Gran Fondo Guide
- Gran Fondo Rules Italian Cycling Federation, Federciclismo 2014
