GRAN FONDO SPORTFUL

Cyclo Sportive Event...

Sunday 20th June 2010

Since 1995, the city of Feltre in northern Italy has hosted one of the most eagerly awaited cycling events of the year: the Gran Fondo Campagnolo, held on the third Sunday of June.

The GRANFONDO SPORTFUL has risen from the ashes of the Gran Fondo Campagnolo, which was named for the Vicenza-based company founded by cyclist Tullio Campagnolo, inventor of the quick-release skewer and derailleur.

On June 21, 2009, the event took place for the first time as the GRAN FONDO SPORTFUL, “only real cyclists.” The event takes its name from the sports apparel company, Sportful, a leading producer of cycling clothing, and supplier to the Italian national cycling team.

Sportful and the organizing committee from Feltre have selected a route that passes through some of the most stunning mountains in the world: the Dolomites, featuring some of cycling history’s epic climbs. The event concludes a week dedicated to cycling, and the day before is the Mini Granfondo Sportful for children.

The event starts and finishes in the small town of Feltre, and is mountainous, but there is a choice of either 110km (Medio Fondo), or the full 215km (Gran Fondo).

The full 215km Gran Fondo route has changed since the Gran Fondo Campagnolo days and now covers 6 mountain passes including the Forcella Franche, Passo Duran, Forcella Staulanza, Passo Valles, Passo di Rolle and the Passo Croce d’Aune, whilst the 110km Medio Fondo covers 3 mountain passes including the Forcella Franche, Passo Cereda and the Croce d’Aune.
The event is very well organised with numerous feed stations, rolling road closure, tech support from Sportful and electronic timing.

There is a pasta party both before the event and afterwards and also included with your entry is a Gran Fondo Sportful cycling jersey.
On the Monday morning after the event, we hope to organise a visit of the Pinarello factory in Treviso, or the Sportful factory in Fonsazo (near Feltre).

Itinerary:

Friday 18th June:
Book your flight with Easy Jet to Venice Marco Polo from either Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol or East Midlands. We shall operate 2 transfers from Venice airport to Feltre, the first at 13.00hrs and the 2nd at 19.00hrs. We shall leave Venice airport and travel to the start town of Feltre, where we have secured accommodation at the excellent 4 star Hotel Casagrande, located very close to both the sign on and start and finish.

Saturday 19th June:
Free day for preparing for tomorrow’s event. We shall have a short ride in the morning, sign on and collect the numbers. There will be the mini Gran Fondo Sportful for children

Sunday 20th June: GRAN FONDO SPORTFUL 2010
After an early breakfast, we shall ride the short distance from the hotel to the start line , where you will line up with thousands of cyclists from all over Europe and take part in the Gran Fondo Sportful. Our rep will be on hand for any assistance required. After the finish you will be able to ride the short distance back to the Hotel Casagrande.

Monday 21st June:
After breakfast we shall leave Feltre and travel by coach to Treviso where we have arranged an exclusive visit of the Pinarello frame factory. After visiting the factory we shall travel the short distance to Venice airport, arriving 18.00hrs for the evening Easy Jet flights back to Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands.

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