They held out hope as long as they could, but the COVID-19 writing on the wall is crystal clear – the 2020 Italian gran fondo season is another casualty of the pandemic.

Marcialonga Cycling Craft granfondo, scheduled for 31 May in the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys for the 14th time, will not be held.  The promoter issued the following statement, “It is quite clear that for at least two months health, law enforcement and the world of volunteering will still be under severe stress, even if the contagion curve improves. Everyone tells us that we will have to live with the virus for much longer, and that for a long time the anti-contagion rules will have to be respected.”

Granfondo Intenational Ale la Merck, which was also the 2020 UEC European Granfondo Championship, in Verona on 6 June has been cancelled as well.

Likewise, the 34th Maratona dles Dolomites on 5 July from Bolzano in the heart of the stunning Dolomites of northern Italy has been cancelled.  The 2021 edition is already scheduled for 4 July.

Granfondo International La Fausto Coppi on 28 June in Piemonte region is also cancelled. The event announced it is donating 3000 euros to the S. Croce and Carle hospital in Cuneo to support medical staff on the front line fighting COVID-19, “Dear cyclist friends, this choice probably does not surprise you. It is a responsible decision for the Covid-19 emergency, a dutiful one, a matter of respect for coronavirus victims, for those who are suffering, for those on the front lines in hospitals and for all of us.”

Check the GFDN Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar for the most accurate and up-to-date listings of current, cancelled and rescheduled events