After finishing third at Mercan’Tour La Bonette in August, Italian Fabio Cini was aiming for a higher step on the podium at the final 2020 Mercan’Tour gran fondo race – Gran Fondo Madone Peille.

On Sunday he achieved his goal and stood high atop the podium after winning the challenging race in the Alpes Maritimes region of southeastern France.

He finished the 95km amateur race including 2500m climbing in 2:25:41 (descents nullified) with Cedrec Dubois next at 2:27:35 and perennial podium finisher Ruari Grant third at 2:27:38.  Pro rider Antoine Berlin finished in 2:25:40, but was not included in the rankings due to his professional status.

Émilie Fortin won the Women’s race in 2:42:34 after also finishing third at Mercan’Tour La Bonette.  Annalisa Prato took second place in 2:48:56 and Leonie Laubig was next at 3:03:21.

Stormy weather almost cancelled the race, but in the end the rain held off long enough for the race to take place in most dry conditions, except for a nice downpour on the final Col de la Madone climb.

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