Kirjutas Lindsey Kurhajetz
|
18 Aprill 2012
On a pristine, sunny San Diego morning, nearly 1,400 riders lined the streets of downtown Little Italy in anticipation of the fourth annual GranFondo Cannondale San Diego experience.
Entertained by returning emcee Bruce Hildebrand and Samuel Nehemiah of the Challenged Athletes Foundation singing the National Anthem, riders gathered all smiles before the official start at 7:15 AM. The fashionable Ferarri’s belonging to Little Italy’s own restaurateur Joseph Busalacchi and the Fiat Gucci of Kearny Mesa Fiat sent a surge of energy through the crowd as the engines revved.
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 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 Campagnolo North America.
The fifth edition of GranFondo Cannondale San Diego will be held April 14, 2013 in partnership with the Little Italy Association of San Diego. Registration is available through May 15 at a promo rate of $99. Click here.
San Diego Results
Like in San Diego, 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 179kms 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 big Paëlla in the beautiful village of Gassin, one of the most beautiful villages of France.
The next GranFondo World series events will be hosted in Europe June 2-3 on the famous Mont Ventoux before the Alps stage in Valberg and July 15 during the highest European climb with col de la Bonette.The USA series prepares for the second annual event in Beverly Hills LA on June 10 featuring 1997 Winner Jan Ullrich.
About Star Events
The TriStar and GranFondo World labels are presented by Star Events, a Monaco based company specializing in organizing high quality sports events that are focused on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection. More info: www.star-events.cc and www.granfondo-world.com.
Feed Entries