From the Colosseum to the Roman Castles, Damiano Cunego recently discovered the roads of Granfondo Campagnolo Roma, which will take place this October 7-8-9, with the expert guidance of event organiser Gianluca Santilli, who is also responsible for amateur cycling in the Italian Federation and promoter of the Bike Economy.
The 2004 Giro champion and leader of Team NIPPO Vini Fantini cycled on the roads and hills of Rome, among historic sights of the city, exploring the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma routes and familiarising himself in advance of this challenge next October.
“There are no words to describe the atmosphere in which we have been riding today, exploring the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma routes,” said Cunego. “The best way to understand it will be to ride it together in October.”
“To ride it on closed roads, with no traffic during the Granfondo days will be special. As my friend Mr. Santilli was telling me, the Bike Economy could really be the solution to improve the quality of life in all the world’s big cities.”
“It would be wonderful if the three days of next October, that will host the Granfondo, will become the mirror of the everyday lifestyle of the city. The routes will be a good experience and they can be approached with different intensity by every category of cyclist.”
Early October is a time when many of Europe’s cyclists are getting ready to take out their indoor cycle trainers and think about the summer gone by. Granfondo Campagnolo Roma will give cyclists one more magical opportunity to ride a beautiful, challenging sportive, in a climate more reminiscent of summer. The season can be closed in one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Gianluca Santilli, at the end of the day talked also with the Mayors of Frascati, Rocca di Papa, Rocca Priora, Monte Compatri and Monte Porzio Catone, who will host the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma and the week after will host the International conference on the Bike Economy: “At the end of the ride I had the pleasure to talk with Damiano Cunego and some of the local Mayors about the economic future of cycle tourism and how the bike can give strong returns to the local economy.”
“The Granfondo Campagnolo Roma will be a step but not the final goal. Such big events are a great opportunity to bring to life to the public a new way of living in their city. I am always reminded that the New York Marathon gave the desire to run to American people. This has to be the main goal of an event such as the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma – to make riding in the city enjoyable for lots of people.”
Events
The Granfondo Campagnolo Roma
The most important event, a ride of 120 km and 1,700 metres of altitude gain, with 4 timed climbs, designed for experienced riders. Pedalling immersed in history, the magnificent scenery of the Colosseum and the Fori Imperiali through Rome, then venture out of town in the beautiful landscape of Castelli Romani and Lake Albano, before returning to Rome at the Terme di Caracalla.
“In bici ai Castelli”
Non-competitive, 60 kilometres to Lake Albano, for those who want to take a ride with friends.
L’Imperiale – The Appian Way
A great opportunity for all historic cycling enthusiasts. The ride is reserved for pre-1987 bicycles and cyclists with vintage clothing and is held on the same path of “Castelli Cycling”, then from Rome to Albano and back, but with an end of absolute charm: the Via Appia Antica.
The MiniFondo
A ride designed for children in the beautiful scenery of the Terme di Caracalla. Pure cycling fun for children, accompanied by volunteers to attend their recreational activities.
To Register go to: http://www.granfondoroma.com/
I rode this event with a few other lucan crc riders totally amazing
A group of 12 of us from Western Lakes are going this October with people riding all 3 events. I rode it last year and it is a great event and logistically is so easy to organise. Also Rome makes it a perfect for non-cycling partners to travel with you.