Matteo Raimondi delivered a commanding solo victory at the eleventh edition of the Granfondo Sestriere–Colle delle Finestre on Sunday, conquering one of Italian cycling’s most storied climbs to win in 03:21:15. Racing largely alone off the front, the Team Locca rider held off Belgium’s Tim Alleman, who crossed 1 minute 49 seconds later, while Fabio Lanzone completed the men’s podium 7 minutes 56 seconds behind the winner.
Sunday’s victory continues a strong run of form for Raimondi, who claimed the overall title at the 2025 GFNY World Championship racing for OM.CC. That victory attracted scrutiny at the time, as Raimondi was among the riders with a previous doping sanction, having served a suspension imposed by NADO Italia in 2018. He has competed openly since returning from that ban.
In the women’s Granfondo, Daria Franzetti (Team Piùsport) soloed to victory in 04:43:47, finishing comfortably ahead of the Netherlands’ Marieke Brinkman-Sniekers, who finished 7 minutes 3 seconds back. Fellow Dutch rider Janet Ketellapper completed the podium, 8 minutes 21 seconds behind Franzetti.
The shorter Mediofondo also produced close racing. Former professional Mirko Trosino won the men’s event in 02:40:11 after a tactical battle, with Gioele Gasparetto finishing just 37 seconds behind. Andrea Mariani claimed third, 4 minutes 53 seconds adrift.
In the women’s Mediofondo, Anna Coloni dominated, winning in 03:15:04 and finishing more than 15 minutes ahead of runner-up Rebecca Zauli, while Natalia Nazarova completed the podium.
Both routes tackled the legendary Colle delle Finestre, an 18-kilometre gravel-topped climb linking Val Susa and Val Chisone that was made famous by the Giro d’Italia, before finishing in Sestriere’s Piazza Fraiteve. Around 1,000 riderstook part in this year’s edition, the third round of the Gobik circuit, under clear skies across the Alta Val di Susa.
Granfondo Sestriere–Colle delle Finestre results HERE
Photo Credit: Granfondo Sestriere–Colle delle Finestre
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