On a beautiful Italian spring weekend, amateur cyclists across Italia had the opportunity too participate in two classic gran fondos after a very slow start to the 2021 cycling season.
Gran Fondo Città di Diano Marina welcomed 400 cyclists for the 2nd edition taking place along the Italian Riviera on Sunday. Onofrio Monzillo, who traveled to the race from Salerno, attacked on the very first climb of the 99 kilometre race, setting a pace that was even too much for former professional racer Federico Pozzetto, and simply dropped everyone. At the finish Monzillo crossed the finish line with his arms raised and all alone. A group of six sprinted for the remaining podium steps and minor placings with Pozzetto taking second and Davide Covolo third.
Meanwhile, a three hour drive north to Verona in the south-eastern part of the Alps saw 600 riders participate in the sold-out 22nd edition of Gran Fondo Avesani. “Amateur sport returns to revive the programming of city events, after the long stop due to the limitations linked to the pandemic,” said Verona Sports Commissioner Filippo Rando prior to the start. From historic Piazza Bra in Verona city centre, cyclists raced 118 kilometres through the surrounding world famous Valpolicella wine region before finishing back in Verona. A three-up sprint decided the outcome with 2019 European Gran Fondo Champion Vincenzo Pisani nipping Diego Frignani (2nd) and Stefano Stagni (3rd). Reigning UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Tommaso Elettrico finished 5th.
PHOTOS © GF DIANO MARINO
Worldwide Gran Fondo and Gravel Event Calendar
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 