The granfondo boom
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In recent years the granfondo boom has really taken off: these are cycling races open to all enthusiasts who want to try their hand at a sporting competition.
This trend is due both to the growing number of bikers and to the chance to promote the areas where these events are held, along with the business they generate. Just think that some races, such as the Nove Colli or the Maratona dles Dolomites, exceed ten thousand participants every year. Today hundreds of competitions take place each year, both road cycling and mountain bike.
People who take part in a granfondo often use the occasion to spend a weekend in the area, perhaps with friends or family, taking advantage of the race to discover a new destination. Some races, such as the Hero, the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon or the Dolomiti Superbike, take place in stunning natural settings that offer a unique experience not only to the riders during the race, but also to those who come with them and enjoy landscapes like nowhere else in the world.
What drives a rider to take part in a granfondo?
The answers vary: just ask someone who has taken part or read a few comments in the dedicated forums.
Some take part because they love competing and want to test themselves, some want to take the chance to discover new routes in company, some want to benefit from the support guaranteed during the race, and some want to enjoy a day dedicated to cyclists, with the road all to themselves.
Signing up is easy: just fill in the form on the event website, make the bank transfer and you're done.
But be careful: if you are aiming for a good ranking, sign up early so you have a chance to start in the first starting pens.
This trend is due both to the growing number of bikers and to the chance to promote the areas where these events are held, along with the business they generate. Just think that some races, such as the Nove Colli or the Maratona dles Dolomites, exceed ten thousand participants every year. Today hundreds of competitions take place each year, both road cycling and mountain bike.
People who take part in a granfondo often use the occasion to spend a weekend in the area, perhaps with friends or family, taking advantage of the race to discover a new destination. Some races, such as the Hero, the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon or the Dolomiti Superbike, take place in stunning natural settings that offer a unique experience not only to the riders during the race, but also to those who come with them and enjoy landscapes like nowhere else in the world.
What drives a rider to take part in a granfondo?
The answers vary: just ask someone who has taken part or read a few comments in the dedicated forums.
Some take part because they love competing and want to test themselves, some want to take the chance to discover new routes in company, some want to benefit from the support guaranteed during the race, and some want to enjoy a day dedicated to cyclists, with the road all to themselves.
Signing up is easy: just fill in the form on the event website, make the bank transfer and you're done.
But be careful: if you are aiming for a good ranking, sign up early so you have a chance to start in the first starting pens.