The start of the 2023 Italian gran fondo circuit saw Marco Provera (MG K VIS-DAL COLLE-RE ARTU) win Gran Fondo Diano Marina on the Italian Riviera this past Sunday.

After serving a one-year doping ban last year due to a positive anti-doping test for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol at the 2021 Gran Fondo Fausto Coppi, Provera showcased his early season form by soloing to victory from a field of 250 competitors.

Provera’s (MG.K VIS-DAL COLLE-RE ARTU’) winning time for the 103 kilometers long race was 2:52:03 with an advantage of 1:40 over Julien Amadori (UNATTACHED). Aldo Caiati (TEAM SILDOM GARDA) and Bederico Borella (TEAM GIANT/LIV BICISPORT) sprinted for the final podium step another 45 seconds later, with Caiti taking it. Paolo Castelnovo and 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Stefan Kirchmair rounded out the top six finishers.

Lisa Aime (DE ROSA-SANTINI) won the women’s race in 3:08:52, finishing 54th overall. Payne Antigone (UNATTACHED) and Giulia Portaluri (MG K VIS-DAL COLLE-RE ARTU) finished second and third respectively.

Gran Fondo Diano Marina is the first of four 2023 amateur races organized by LoaBikers. Next up is Gran Fondo El Diablo Ceriale on 16 April, followed by Gran Fondo di Ovada on 3 September and Gran Fondo Cycling Marathon Pietra Ligure on 10 September.

Complete Gran Fondo Diano Marina results HERE.


Photos: LoaBikers