Imagine springtime in warm Southern Italy, a classic gran fondo course and 500 riders throwing down the gauntlet on dusty chalk strade bianche roads that crisscross the vineyards of Tuscany.
On April 4th, 2020 in Montepulciano that image will turn into reality at GFNY Italia.
On a very lumpy 108km course with 2000m climbing riders will face three strade bianche loose gravel sectors.
The first chalky white test comes early, at km 21, with a 7.5km fast downhill sector sure to string the peloton out and leave riders battered and bruised.
The second sector is 10km long and comes 68km into the race, followed shortly by the third sector – only 1.5km separate them. So basically, it is 18km of classic strade bianche riding – uphill, as hard as you can, on loose white gravel, through a cloud of dust.
Back on asphalt at the top, it is a quick descent into Torrita di Siena before you hit a very steep and imposing climb returning to Montepulciano.
With grades up to 17%, the 5km climb will leave you staring at your stem praying the finish is around the next corner – it is not.
At 500m to go, exhausted, you will hit cobbles and rumble your way to the finish line, which is a perfect way to end a smashing ride in Tuscany.
Registration is 45€, but if you want to start up front and be first to the strade bianche it will cost you an eye-popping 195€.
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