After a one week delay due to inclement weather, the Italian gran fondo season kicked-off last Sunday at Gran Fondo Loano along the Ligurian coast.

2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Olga Cappiello (SANTINI SQUADRA CORSE) put in a dominant ride to win and finish well ahead of all challengers in the 100km race. The 62 year-old age-defying superstar crossed under the finish banner in 3:16:27, many minutes ahead of the next best women, Valentina Zuco and Simona Etossi.

36 year-old Alberto Nardin (MG K VIS PROMOTECH FMB) opened his season with a victory in the men’s race. The winner of last year’s world famous Nove Colli Gran Fondo is a significant new addition to MG K VIS after team leader Fabio Cini was banned for doping last year. Nardin finished Gran Fondo Loano solo in 2:42:04, averaging just over 37 kmh on the short but very hilly route. Two plus minutes later Diego Frignani and Manuele Caddeo placed second and third in that order.

Complete Gran Fondo Loano results HERE

Photo Credit: stock, MG K VIS Promotech, Olga Cappiello

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