Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia: Monterey to New York City

From Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia:

From Monterey to New York City, the Italian series is expanding to new U.S. destinations

New York, Feb. 2013 -- Although spring is definitely not in the air, it’s time to embrace the elements and get your cycling gear in shape for the most exciting pink events of the year! The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia is kicking off in a few weeks!

The series will start on Saturday, April 20 as part of the most beloved cycling festival in the nation: The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Sea Otter Classic will premier in Monterey, CA, adding its unmistakable Italian twist to this four-day outdoor sport and tradeshow event, which attracts a total of 10,000 riders from multiple disciplines and about 50,000 fans. The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia will start from the world-famous Laguna Seca Race Track and will offer two different routes, Carmel Valley (96 miles) and Coastal (49 miles), open to riders of all capabilities willing to experience a real “Italian style” Gran Fondo in one of the greatest cycling areas in the US. Not to be missed, is the Expo, boosting a wealth of over 400 companies and featuring for the first time a dedicated Italian corner! Look out for the original Trophy and get your picture with the Milan Duomo! Impress your friends with your own personalized number and the limited edition jersey by Santini!

Soon after, on May 5, the east coast will have its own Italian flair at America’s largest cycling event, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. The new Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro (VIP option) puts participants in front of more than 30,000 cyclists riding on 40 miles of traffic-free streets throughout the five boroughs of New York City! In addition, riders will receive an exclusive goodie bag and a personalized bib, a fashionable official Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro jersey produced by Santini, a special breakfast before the start, and a gourmet Italian Pasta Party, awaiting the riders at the finish festival. Granfondisti will also try their best with the timed climb of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.

In addition to those iconic experiences, Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia will open registration on March 1 for its signature events in Pasadena, CA (June 2) and Miami, FL (November 10). Works are well underway for an additional event in California. The 2012 edition saw memorable courses, pictures with the signorine and the original Giro’s trophy, and Giro’s legends of past and present.

The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia brings to America a top international appeal and the ultimate expertise in mass-participation productions of a true “Italian” Gran Fondo experience, with breathtaking scenic courses, timed climbs and challenges that impart an atmosphere typically reserved for professional races, all in a fun “Italian style” environment that brings out the best of this sport.

Sponsors of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia include: Vittoria, Selle Italia, Limar, Santini, Bianchi, Bicycling, Gazzetta dello Sport and Interbike. For additional information please visit www.gfgiro.com. Media inquiries please contact Daniela Puglielli at daniela@accentpr.com.

About the organizers:

Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia is a worldwide series organized by RCS Sport, owner of high-quality sporting events including the Giro d’Italia, Milano – Sanremo, Tour of Lombardy, Tirreno – Adriatico, Strade Bianche (White Roads); the Milano City Marathon; Italian Open; advisor to the national Soccer Team, and to the Inter Football Club; advisor of the Basketball Italian federation and organizer of major events of the Lega Basket “Serie A”; in collaboration with the SDA Bocconi School of Management, RCS is also organizer of the Sport Business Academy. The Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia aims to connect cycling fans to the mystique of the Giro, hence growing the appreciation of Giro d'Italia in the world.

Photo: start of 2012 Giro d'Italia-Miami gran fondo.

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