On a pristine, sunny San Diego morning on Sunday 15 April, nearly 1,400 riders lined the streets of downtown Little Italy in anticipation of the fourth annual GranFondo Cannondale San Diego experience.
The peloton welcomed friends of presenting sponsor Cannondale; charity partner, the Challenged Athlete’s Foundation; Franz Weber, six-time world speed skiing champion and former world record holder; and Glenn Carano of Ferrari Carano Winery and Silver Legacy Hotel of Reno.
Publisher of Peloton Magazine, Brad Roe also enjoyed the event as a sponsor and rider. “We [Move Press] were pleased to be part of this event. The course, organization, rider, food were excellent!”
The course featured a 6.75 mile KOM/QOM climb up Honey Springs with an elevation accent of nearly 2,000 feet. Overall winners of the KOM/QOM climb were returning champ Athena Countouriotis (33:22:12) and Thomas Brown (29:56:13) both from California.
A record number of local volunteers supported the event on course and on-site. “I have done the GranFondo San Diego every year, rain or shine. This year the signage was better than it’s ever been. The volunteers were at every critical corner and there was never any question of where to go,” said Tom Kattus, General Manager at Campagnolo North America.
Next year, the fifth edition of GranFondo Cannondale San Diego will be held on14 April 2013 in partnership with the Little Italy Association of San Diego. Registration is available from 15 May 2012 at a promo rate of US$99.
Saint Tropez
Across oceans, the inaugural GranFondo Cannondale Saint Tropez launched from the Quai de Suffren in the beautiful summer resort in the Var. The peloton saw more than 1,000 participants who rode one of three scenic courses curving along the Massif des Maures and famous Cols du Grateloup and Notre Dame des Anges.
On the 179K GranFondo course, a trio of Belgium’s earned the first three spots with Bart Deurbroeck and David Motte finishing together (4:58:49), followed by Bart Van Damme (5:00:00). The first French rider, Frédéric Lubach, finished fourth (5:02:19). After the finish line, participants enjoyed a large paella in the beautiful village of Gassin.
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 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 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.
