Granfondos

Gran Fondo bike sportives originated in Italy and over 100 events are organised here every year.
They have become extremely popular with the largest events like the Nove Colli and the Maratona Delle Dolomiti attracting over 10,000 participants each year. They traditionally follow scenic hilly and mountainous routes, but they have course distances catering for all cycling abilities so that everyone who enjoys the challenge can participate.

A Gran Fondo is not run as a race and the majority of riders participate for the enjoyment of riding on a designated route, (together with organised feed stations, mechanical and medical support), through beautiful scenery with their friends and team mates.
The challenge is in completing the ride but having said that, as any cyclist knows, it is also rewarding to set and achieve your own goals and compare times with other riders afterwards.

You never know you may even find yourself riding next to an ex, or even current, professional!