Held on March 3, 2024, the day after pro cyclists took to the roads, and gravel, of Strade Bianche and Strade Bianche Donne, more than 7,000 amateur riders took the start of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche Enel.
Organised by RCS Active Team, the mass participation Gran Fondo Strade Bianche had a field that was 60% from Italy and 40% from abroad.
The most represented nations, with over 300 participants, were Italy, Belgium, Great Britain and Holland. Among the countries represented at the start-line were also New Zealand, Lebanon, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Iceland, Australia and India.
Billed as ‘Europe’s most southerly northern classic’, the Gran Fondo covers the same gravel roads tackled by the elite riders. The start is from the Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress) and the arrival arch is located in the splendid setting of Piazza del Campo.
Riders could choose between the long 138.5km route (2000m of elevation gain and 9 gravel sections) or the shorter 87km route (1350m of elevation gain and 6 gravel sections).
In 2024, nine sectors were covered with the event starting at Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress) and the arrival arch located in the setting of Piazza del Campo. According to the event organising team… ‘The excellent numbers testify how the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche Enel has now established itself as one of the favourite amateur events in Italy as well as in the whole world.’
Diego Frignani was first at the finish line in Piazza del Campo ahead of Federico Pozzetto and Giovanni Loiscio. Among the women’s field, Marine Lehenan won ahead of Annalisa Prato and Laura Simenc.
The gran fondo has an array of sponsors, including Enel as presenting sponsor, and Bianchi, Crédit Agricole, KASK, KOO Eyewear, Sportful and Velux as main sponsors.
