Ideally located between Nice and the Alps – Valberg, France, hosts another event in the GranFondo series, which sees athletes climb the legendary mountain pass, Col de la Bonette. Taking place on 15 July 2012, Valberg will be the host city of this new GranFondo event in France. The expanding GranFondo World series will offer two unique races: first up is a demanding course of 190K and 4000m of altitude. A second course will be easier with ‘only’ 95K and 1700m in altitude.
GranFondo Cannondale Valberg – Col de la Bonette is part of the GranFondo World cycling series. The event will take place during this year’s Tour de France and aims to become one of the biggest cycling events in Europe, with the crossing of the Col de la Bonette a key highlight.
Both races will take the participants on a scenic bike ride in the Alps on the selective passes of Couillole, the Bonette and Cayolle. Timing will be established on the whole route ‘and one special ranking on a specifically chosen breathtaking ascent.’ This will allow everyone to ride in a group while having the opportunity to participate in a classification.
“We are excited to organize a GranFondo in France, one of the most important countries in Europe for cycling,” said Georg Hochegger, CEO and founder of GranFondo owner Star Production. “The region is home to many passes, and there is a great number of cycling clubs. We are pleased to offer this unique format GranFondo in Valberg in 2012.”
The next GranFondo World series events will be hosted in Europe on 2-3 June on the famous Mont Ventoux before the Alps stage in Valberg and then on 15 July during the highest European climb with Col de la Bonette. The US series prepares for the second annual event in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, on 10 June featuring former pro cyclist and 1997 Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich.
The TriStar and GranFondo World labels are presented by Star Events, the Monaco based company specializing in organizing high quality sports events that are focused on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection.
www.granfondovalberg.com
www.star-events.cc
www.granfondo-world.com
