On a sunny and cool Sunday morning 1157 gran fondo cyclists arrived from nine nations into Valdobbiadene, Italy for the first major international amateur cycling event to be held in the Veneto region since the start of the coronavirus health emergency.
The Prosecco Cycling gran fondo takes place between the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a 2019 UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Former professional cyclist Claudio “El Diablo” Chiappucci, who finished on the Tour de France GC podium three times, was guest of honor along with famed frame builder Fausto Pinarello.
The race rolled up and down 104 kilometers through thirteen municipalities of the UNESCO Site, including a gravel sector and the Muro di Ca ‘del Poggio climb, which will be featured in the 14th stage of the 2020 Giro d’Italia.
Although short at only 1.3km long, it was a timed climb with riders racing as fast as possible up the Poggio’s 18% grade and celebrate at the top with a glass of Prosecco.
Alessandro Sogne (CARINA – BRAO CAFFE) was fastest, reaching the summit in 2:26. Patrizia Gallina (ALSCOM TREVISO) did it 3:14 to be the fastest women. Former Tour de France star Chiappucci (now 57 years-old) was 341st in 4:26.
Complete Muro di Ca ‘del Poggio KOM climb results here.
Complete Prosecco Cycling gran fondo results here.
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 