Over a thousand cyclists participated in the third edition of the Gran Fondo Valtidone, which on Sunday opened the 2022 edition of the prestigious and historic Italian Coppa Piemonte circuit.
Continuing to show top early season form, Gran Fondo Strade Bianche champion Luca Chiesa (Vivo MG.K Vis Dal Colle Ag Cores) dominated the large field and dropped everyone on the 752 metre ascent of the 11 kilometre long Caldarola climb, finishing the 121km race all alone in 3:20:38. Michelen Negri (Team MP Filtri) sprinted for second place and Federico Brevi (Team Asnaghi Granfondo) had to settle for third, both with a time of 3:24:06.
2021 Gran Fondo Valtidone champion Federico Pozzetto finished a distant sixth, 0:06:45 behind Chiesa.
2021 Coppa Piemonte Circuit champion Lisa Aime (Gs Passatore) won the women’s race, stopping the clock in 3:41:24. Sabrina De Marchi (Rodman Azimut Squadra Corse) outsprinted Mara Manfredi (Ag Cores Dal Colle) to take second.
In the 91km medio fondo Niki Giussani (Team Asnaghi Granfondo) prevailed in front of Ghiron Filippo (Dotta Bike) and Rapaccioli Giorgio (Team Stocchetti). Among women, Elenora Calvi di Coenzo (Rodman Azimut Squadra Corse) earned her first win of the season, preceding Ravasi Alessia (Team MP Filtri) and Rollini Tamara (Cycling Center).
Next up on the Coppa Piemonte Circuit is Granfondo Mangia e Bevi in Vercelli on Sunday 15 May.
Complete Gran Fondo Valtidone results HERE.
PHOTOS: Gran Fondo Valtidone
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 