Gran Fondo La Marmotta - Sestriere - Colle Delle Finestre

Were you impressed with the Colle Delle Finestre in this year's 20th stage of the Giro d'Italia? A major new event for Gran Fondo enthusiasts has been announced that will take place on 2 August: the first gran fondo “La Marmotta - Sestriere - Colle Delle Finestre“, organised by SSD RCS Active Team a r.l.

There are two routes, both starting at Cesana Torinese and finishing at Sestriere, and both crossing the mythical Colle delle Finestre, the highest point of the 2015 Giro d’Italia.

“La Marmotta - Sestriere - Colle Delle Finestre“ for the “Via Lattea” Trophy (110km)
Start: Cesana Torinese – Sauze di Cesana – Sestriere (2035 m) – Cesana Torinese – Oulx – Susa – Colle delle Finestre (Categorised climb 2176m) – Balboutet – Usseaux - Pragelato – Finish: Sestriere (Categorised climb 2035m).
The ascent of the Colle delle Finestre will be timed and a classification issued.

“La Marmottina” (tourist route, 85km)
Start: Cesana Torinese – Oulx – Susa – Colle delle Finestre (Categorised climb 2176m) – Balboutet – Usseaux – Pragelato – Finish: Sestriere (Categorised climb 2035m).
The ascent of the Colle delle Finestre will be timed, but no classification published.

Fabio Aru, winner of the penultimate stage, explains the secrets of the Colle delle Finestre climb:
"It could look strange but the easiest part of the Colle delle Finestre climb is the one on gravel roads. The hardest bit is the first one. In the first 4km there are 29 of the 45 total hairpins."

"The toughest inclines are faced in the first 1,500m of climbing. It's a very nice climb. The descent is not that difficult though. There are three bends in which you need to put more attention, first one to the left after 500m from the top."

"To face a climb like this at the Giro I was using 39 x 29 as the easiest gear ration. But I'm a professional rider and for us, easy to say, it's different. I think that an expert sportive rider could use a 34 in front, while a less expert rider should consider using 32."

"Anyone who rides with tubulars should think about using an anti-puncture liquid. The tire pressures should be half a bar less than usual both on front and back wheels. You need to adapt pedaling style too. If you're not used to riding a mountain bike it's better to choose the cleaner lines."

More details at www.gfsestriere.it

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