passista

Gran Fondo New York - full 2012 kit

2012-02-01T07:40:00.002-05:00

Still in Lazio...

2012-01-31T17:18:00.001-05:00

Gran Fondo Ladies

2012-01-31T02:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks to "InBici" for the pics.

"InBici": online Gran Fondo magazine

2012-01-30T11:51:00.001-05:00

If you enjoy reading Italian Gran Fondo magazines but can't get your hand on any, check out InBici. It's a free online magazine. Yes, it's full of ads but that's why it's free. And some of the ads are interesting enough. It has articles on upcoming events, team presentations, interviews and more. Pictured above is Claudio Chiappucci going full tilt at the "Race of ex-professionals". Yes, that's right, there is a race in Italy only for former pros. It's a fun event that also attracted - no surprise there - Francesco Moser.

Meanwhile in...

2012-01-30T11:51:00.000-05:00

...Eldoret/Kenya at a race. Take note now.

DeRosa 2012

2012-01-28T15:22:00.004-05:00

Happy to see that DeRosa is finally stepping away from the fugly extreme sloping.

One for the ladies: Selle San Marco Mantra

2012-01-28T04:11:00.001-05:00

Finding a saddle that gives you a comfortable ride can be a long and too often painful endeavor for anyone. But from what I understand, it's even harder for women. Most companies build women specific saddles. These tend to fit women better but there is no guarantee. Some women feel best on the hardest of hard male specific seats. It's all about trial and error.

And Lidia tried many saddles over the years. As an Ironman triathlete and Gran Fondo racer, she has experience with the whole range from being as low as possible on the Queen K to climbing upright on Mortirolo. Since November, she now rides for Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York and as such receives a saddle of her choice from Selle San Marco. She never tried any of their products before so she was understandably anxious given the importance of a well fitting seat. Lidia emailed Luca Bertoncello of San Marco and asked which saddle to choose based on her previous saddles and his experience.

Luca picked the Mantra for her. It's a non-women specific saddle with a cut-out. I have a hard time explaining the ins and out of a saddle shape. Hence, I'd rather point you to the website that shows all the specs.

I can, however, tell you what Lidia said about the San Marco Mantra: "After not having ridden a bike at all for two months, I got on the Mantra and had absolutely no problems. In eight years of riding I came to the conclusion that a certain level of discomfort is normal. But the Mantra just fit perfectly from the get go. I only did a few rides in December. But now I've been riding 200 miles in the last five days, am happier than I ever was with any other saddle and am completely pain and issue free."

Yeti CX

2012-01-28T03:43:00.002-05:00

Gilbert's ride

2012-01-27T06:31:00.001-05:00

While I still don't get the frame design, the paint job is well done IMHO.

Meanhile in...

2012-01-26T16:17:00.000-05:00

...Lazio, Italy.

New team, new kit: Champion System/Stans NoTubes

2012-01-26T02:09:00.002-05:00

2012 kit: MG.K Vis

2012-01-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

L'Eroica but as a race: La Sterrata

2012-01-25T05:13:00.000-05:00

L'Eroica is fun with all the old gear on gravel roads. But secretly we glance at the pro race version of L'Eroica called "Montepaschi Strade Bianche" held in March and wonder: "Why can't we race on our 2012 gear on gravel roads?"

We can. La Sterrata in Tuscany on June 24 provides you with a Gran Fondo race on dusty "strade bianche". Get out those 25mm tires and head over to Bucine. Pronto!

NYC BIKE EXPO

2012-01-24T06:01:00.001-05:00

The second annual edition is taking shape. Lots of exhibitors and vendors already registered.

Check it out at NYCBIKEEXPO.COM. Free vistor registration.

Sperlonga

2012-01-23T05:10:00.001-05:00

Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx (Rivalta Brentino Belluno)

2012-01-20T04:49:00.000-05:00

If you decide to join the fun at Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx 2012 on June 10, make sure you do the Gran Fondo to really experience how tough the course is. Don't chicken out on the Medio. Yes, Eddy does the medio and so can you if you are 70. On cycling.it is today's press release in Italian on what's happening this year. The video above is from last year. Enjoy!

(Don't confuse this Gran Fondo with the copies happening in Belgium and Austria. They don't cut it.)

Wiggo's Pinarello Dogma 2

2012-01-20T04:48:00.001-05:00

I don't have to say that a small frame with a 130+mm stem is pro.

But I still do.

Flandersmania

2012-01-20T04:48:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to say when much is too much.

And sometimes it's not.

Gran Fondo New York bottle

2012-01-19T11:00:00.003-05:00

While the size screams "I don't have a support car!",

everything else about this ELITE bottle screams "pro".

Dura Ace hydraulic brakes

2012-01-16T07:34:00.001-05:00

And we need this because?

Carnia Classic 2012: Zoncolan and Crostis

2012-01-14T14:35:00.001-05:00

The 2012 edition of the Gran Fondo Carnia Classic shapes up to be one hell of a ride. Rumors have it that it includes both Zoncolan and Crostis. It partly follows the route of stage 13 of the Giro 2011. But that stage never happened in its planned form because Riis and Contador chickened out, stating that descending on gravel would open up the race to luck with people flatting and crashing if the weather is bad. Facing adversary is a big part that makes the excitement which is why Riis' bullying behavior upset fans of the sport. Props to Liquigas, Lampre and Farnese Vini to stand up for keeping the stage (they simply got outnumbered).
We're talking 160k plus over 6,000m (20,000ft) of climbing. The event is scheduled for August 26 and the presentation is on February 10. Stay tuned.

UPDATE (Jan 16): the event will be held on two days, August 25 and 26. Stage one will include the Crostis and stage two the Zoncolan. Length will only be Medio Fondo style. That way the event is more accessible for weaker riders. I would have liked to see a more epic one day course.

Liquigas Cannondale

2012-01-12T10:06:00.001-05:00

L'Etape du Haut Var

2012-01-11T17:45:00.003-05:00

If you happen to be in the South of France at the end of February, don't miss out on the new cyclosportive "L'Etape du Haute Var". As you may have guessed from the name, it's on the route of the pro race which is one of the season openers in France. If "Frejus", "Draguignan", "La Croix Valmer" and - yes - "Saint Tropez" ring a bell, you know what I'm talking about. I've been in the region at that time of the year. It's a bliss. Hills shelter from the Mistral and you can enjoy your first early season rides in the late winter sun.

Meanwhile somewhere in Japan...

2012-01-09T18:22:00.000-05:00

Pinarello Dogma 2s at Times Square

2012-01-08T08:23:00.001-05:00

more pictures from the GS GFNY film and photo shoot HERE

New kit: Radio Shag

2012-01-06T11:28:00.001-05:00

Really?

2012-01-05T20:03:00.001-05:00

One of the most tasteless and childish cycling garments I have seen in a while.

New kit: Holidays in the sun

2012-01-03T08:04:00.003-05:00

Apologies for the crappy picture. But a better one wouldn't improve the kit either.

Gran Fondo Stelvio

2012-01-02T20:12:00.001-05:00

Not only the pros will hit Passo Stelvio during this year's Giro but also amateurs will get a chance to compete on the famous road in a proper Gran Fondo. Yes, there is the "Re Stelvio" time trial and the Austrian "Dreilaendergiro". But we all know that nothing is like a Gran Fondo. Stay tuned for details.

Ready for the prom?

2012-01-02T16:56:00.001-05:00

"Securing a place on a team can be like getting a date to the prom: rounds of gossip and speculation and shifting alliances, and needling feelings you thought you’d left behind in high school. Personally, I’ve always been suspicious of that hot chick who winks at me in the cafeteria. I’m stickin with my date from last year. She promised she’d shave more often, and get those teeth fixed." 9W mag

Bike handling Italian style

2012-01-02T09:26:00.001-05:00

It's 2012, kids: kits!

2012-01-02T08:53:00.001-05:00

What really happened at Le Tour 1998: lots of crashes and sex

2012-01-01T17:39:00.001-05:00

Pro teams buying components

2012-01-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

"Last year Quick Step was purchasing its Campagnolo, this time I believe Garmin-Cervélo are buying their Shimano parts." inrng.com

Not everybody can be on Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York.

It's the Junkyard Cross again

2011-12-30T11:13:00.002-05:00

浅間山麓をダイナミックに一周する山岳ロングライド

2011-12-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

full story of Gran Fondo Karuizawa for your reading pleasure

Gran Fondo Roma update

2011-12-28T15:18:00.001-05:00

I briefly reported on Gran Fondo Roma last week. Now more news on the October 14 event are trickling in. There will be a timed climb ("cronoscalata"). And for those who know the area, have a look at the routes below. Everyone else: stay tuned, there's more to come.

Vittoria Diamante Pro Radiale

2011-12-25T10:43:00.001-05:00

Let me start with a disclaimer: Vittoria is the official tire sponsor of Gruppo Sportivo GFNY 2012. In other words, the team riders get to ride Vittoria tires without having to pay for it. That said, we wouldn't just ride anything we get for free. We're in the fortunate position to be able to choose every part of our gear carefully. Nowadays, there are a lot of excellent products on the market. So how did we choose?

First the obvious: the product has to do its job. Second: I want to have a pleasant association with it. That association is not logical and purely subjective but life is more than just numbers.

Could you name a tire when riding it blindfolded? (Don't try it.) Sure, tires act different but few are remarkably better than others unless you pick cheap stuff. Also, we're far from being pros who race for a living and seconds. I take a sturdier tire that costs me ten seconds per hour compared to some handmade, extra light extravaganza but holds up for seven hours without flattening easily. My goal is to get through a 200k Gran Fondo in the mountains without having to stop to fix a flat. What team car? Sounds easy but it seems like it's not, especially in rain when garbage gets washed on the street.

I've always been riding 23mm clinchers. The trend these days approves my decades old behavior and even goes beyond it. 24mm and 25mm pop up all around. Vittoria equips our team with the new Diamante Pro Radiale. It's available in 22mm (195g) and - our choice - 24mm (210g). Vittoria calls it a tire for "real world racing". That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Let me put a decent milage on it before I report back to you. We're hitting Terracina, nestled between Rome and Naples at the end of January for a three week riding/working camp. I couldn't think of a more appropriate place to test Vittoria tires. Terracina is where Italian pro teams put in the work to get ready for the season, namely Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-San Remo. And those are races I always associated with Vittoria. They are the rides into spring we're thinking about during the long winter months. It's not just all about performance...

Gran Fondo Roma

2011-12-22T21:32:00.002-05:00

Much bigger news than Cipo's trip to the UK is a new Gran Fondo on the horizon which for the moment only has a date and the distances: October 14 and 148k for the Gran as well as 98k for the Medio Fondo.

Where? Rome, no less, with a start in city proper and an opening loop along many of the city's highlights.

This is excellent news. And there is more to come. Watch this space.

(Foto: Gianluca Santilli, organizer of GF Roma, interviewed for RAI at GF New York)

Re Leone meets the Poms

2011-12-22T21:18:00.001-05:00

Cipo is the headlining act for a GF in Bristol/GB next April.

The event website is here and road.cc has some more info.

2012 Gran Fondo New York kit

2011-12-21T11:07:00.001-05:00

Pianrello Dogma 2 with Campagnolo EPS

2011-12-20T07:28:00.001-05:00

more at Bikerumor

Au revoir Tour Med!

2011-12-19T13:55:00.001-05:00

We followed you all these years, longing for snow free roads. You will be missed.

La Marmotte 2011

2011-12-18T09:06:00.001-05:00

The 2012 Italian Gran Fondo season: April and May

2011-12-13T15:32:00.001-05:00

While February and March are the months where things get going at Gran Fondos in Italy (see my first posting on the topic), April and May are the months when the racing is in full fly. There's no shortage of events to choose from. So, where to go? Every race has a certain appeal to it. Some are must-do large happenings, some difficult and others are small and unique. Let's have a look at a few.

April first's "Selle Italia" in Cervia is no joke. Notoriously sold out early these days, the big hitters flock to the coastal town of Cervia and head to the Appennin hills from there.

Easter is very sacred in Italy so there's little to no racing. Virtually any of the Gran Fondos on the weekends thereafter are a good choice. If you have a full week, one of the very few Gran Fondo stage races is held on a beautiful island: Giro di Sardegna.

The "little brother" of Nove Colli is "Dieci Colli", "Ten Hills" in beautiful Bologna kicks of the month of May. But don't be mistaken: I know enough areas in this world where those "hills" would be called "epic, treacherous climbs".

Gran Fondo delle Alpi in Sondrio is one of the first races that touches the alps. The event put up by the same organization as GF Laigueglia in February and GF Giordana in June, includes a sister climb of the legendary Mortirolo. When I raced there a few years ago, I thought it was a good idea to go on the attack early. I tend to just "go" if given the chance, knowing that I won't play a role in the outcome of the race. Might as well play... However, attacking a few k's before the start of the key climb turned out to be a very painful idea.

Bergamo is host to Felice Gimondi's Gran Fondo. Being part of a few key series in the Italian GF calendar, "La Gimondi" is packed with talent and masses. With 162k and 3,050m of climbing, the race is no slouch. Be ready.

Once you arrive in the small coastal town of Cesenatico, you understand why all Gran Fondos so far somehow feel like they were only lead-up races for the big mama of Gran Fondo: Nove Colli. The "Lungo" is a tad over 200k long and boasts 3,850m of climbing, including the infamous "Barbotto". 12,000 riders celebrate this party on racing wheels. The event sells out within a few days in October. Nove Colli now is in its 42nd year. Home town hero Marco Pantani once competed in the event with a wig. It was his comeback from a devastating injury.

If you have been shut out of Nove Colli or just don't want to deal with such masses of people, consider Marcialonga Cycling. It's the first Gran Fondo of the season that hits the high mountains. But beware: the dolomites at the end of May can provide challenging conditions.

For further information check out cycling.it, Dalzero and leComariedellaMdD. I'm happy to help at ilpasssista at gmail.com as well.

1/4/2012 GF Dolci terre di Novi --- Novi Ligure Piemonte CC
1/4/2012 GF Selle Italia --- Cervia Emilia Romagna WT
1/4/2012 GF Perini - Coppa Piacentina --- Carpaneto (PC) Emilia Romagna CC
1/4/2012 GF Valle dei Templi --- Agrigento Sicilia
7/4/2012 Gf della Pace Spello --- Umbria CC
9/4/2012 GF Pantanissima --- Cesenatico Emilia Romagna KS
15/4/2012 GF Gepin Olmo --- Celle Ligure Liguria CC
15/4/2012 GF di Sant'Angelo Lodigiano --- Sant'Angelo Lodigiano Lombardia CC
15/4/2012 GF dei 3 Laghi --- Carrera Salo Lombardia CC
15/4/2012 Gran Fondo Liotto --- Valdagno Veneto CC
15/4/2012 Le Cime di Romagna --- Faenza Emilia Romagna
15/4/2012 Green Fondo Paolo Bettini --- La Geotermia Pomarance Toscana CC
22/4/2012 Granfondo Città di Casella --- Casella Liguria
22/4/2012 GF Bottecchia --- Città di Vicenza Vicenza Veneto TDS
22/4/2012 GF dei Vini e Sapori --- Bertold Brecht Russi Emilia Romagna
22/4/2012 GF BMC il Diavolo in Versilia --- Viareggio Toscana CC
22/4/2012 Gf del Verdicchio --- Serra de' Conti Marche KS
22/4/2012 GF Cittá di Canosa --- Canosa Puglia TG
22/4/2012 Gf della Ceramica --- Santo Stefano di Camastra Sicilia SAW
22/4/2012 Giro di Sardegna (fino al 28/04) --- Arborea Sardegna WT
22/4/2012 GF Smeralda --- Golfo Aranci Sardegna CC
22/4/2012 GF Internazionale San Marino --- Gualdicciolo RSM CC
25/4/2012 Prato Viareggio --- Prato Toscana
25/4/2012 GF Chianciano Terme --- Chianciano Terme Toscana WT
25/4/2012 Giro del Valdarno --- Cavriglia Toscana CC
25/4/2012 Granfondo Maremonti --- S.Benedetto del Tronto Marche KS
25/4/2012 GF Sardegna --- Cala Ginepro Sardegna WT
29/4/2012 GF Valli Bresciane --- Brescia Lombardia CC
29/4/2012 Granfondo Valtidone --- Borgonovo Valtidone Emilia Romagna CC
29/4/2012 GF Sette Rocche --- Massa Marittima Toscana CC
29/4/2012 GF Colli Ascolani --- Ascoli Piceno Marche KS
29/4/2012 GF La Garibaldina --- GP Città di Mentana Mentana Lazio CC
29/4/2012 GF Castelli e Torri di Carovigno --- Carovigno Puglia TG
29/4/2012 GF di Ribera Città delle Arance --- Ribera Sicilia

1/5/2012 Dieci Colli Bolognesi --- Bologna Emilia Romagna WT
1/5/2012 Gf Le Strade di San Francesco --- Ponte S.Giovanni Umbria KS
6/5/2012 GF Bra-Bra --- Brá Piemonte CC
6/5/2012 GF delle Alpi Sondrio --- Lombardia CC
6/5/2012 GF FI'ZI:K --- Marostica Veneto CC
6/5/2012 Corsa Per Haiti --- Feletto Umberto Friuli V.G. KS
6/5/2012 GF Vernaccia --- S. Gimignano Toscana CC
6/5/2012 GF Terre dei Varano --- Camerino Marche KS
6/5/2012 GF Alberobello e Murge --- Alberobello Puglia TG
13/5/2012 GF La Resistenza Andrea Tafi --- Ovada Piemonte CC
13/5/2012 La Felice Gimondi --- Bergamo Lombardia TDS
13/5/2012 Strarossini --- Pesaro Marche CC
13/5/2012 GF Mario Aversa --- Prossedi Lazio
13/5/2012 GF del Volturno --- Piedimonte Matese Campania CC
13/5/2012 GF Lombardo Bikes --- Buseto Palizzolo Sicilia
20/5/2012 GF della Valpolicella Zen Air --- Valgatara di Marano di Valpolicella Veneto TDS
20/5/2012 Nove Colli - 9 Colli --- Cesenatico Emilia Romagna WT
20/5/2012 GF Città di Fara San Martino --- Fara San Martino Abruzzo KS
20/5/2012 GF del Vallone --- Caltanissetta Sicilia
20/5/2012 Gran Fondo New York --- New York USA
27/5/2012 GF Valli Monregalesi --- Mondoví Piemonte CC
27/5/2012 Marcialonga Cycling CRAFT --- Predazzo Trentino A.A. DS
27/5/2012 GF Città di Lugo --- Lugo Emilia Romagna
27/5/2012 GF Matildica Cooperatori --- Reggio Emilia Emilia Romagna CC
27/5/2012 Maratona degli Appennini --- Sansepolcro Toscana WT
27/5/2012 Gran Fondo Costa dei Parchi --- Alba Adriatica Abruzzo

A-Team joins UCI World Tour

2011-12-13T15:14:00.001-05:00

Totally rideable

2011-12-13T14:01:00.001-05:00

L'Eroica

2011-12-11T20:18:00.001-05:00

Meanwhile somewhere in Italy...

2011-12-10T12:21:00.001-05:00

...gasolio o benzina?

With the Pinarello Dogma2 at La Pinarello Cycling Marathon

2011-12-10T07:39:00.001-05:00

Ever been to this Europe thingy with your bike?

2011-12-08T07:53:00.001-05:00

"Most European cyclists would fail the Euro Cycling Rules instantly, the image of Pozzato copycats is a metropolitan construct that exists in London, Sydney and New York and not in Bergamo, Cannes or Girona." Thank you INRG.

Alaska: 70 mile dirt road race, August 2012

2011-12-07T16:16:00.001-05:00

"The Hatcher's Pass Dirt Road Race"

An unsanctioned 70 mile dirt road race in the Talkeetna Mountains produced by Trimble Racing (the organizers of the Red Hook Criterium)

Date: Early August 2012

Race description:

Trimble Racing is organizing an unsanctioned dirt road race in one of the world's most spectacular settings, Alaska. The race will be begin at the Trimble family cabin at the Independence Mine in the Talkeetna Mountains. After a neutral descent the race will start with a grueling three mile dirt road climb up and over the famous "Hatcher's Pass". At the top of the pass riders will plummet down the Willow Fishhook Road, a long and technical gravel descent with endless switchbacks and technical corners. After the nearly thirty mile descent the road levels out for a few easy miles. A checkpoint at the intersection of Highway 3 marks the halfway point where riders will turn around and start the long journey back to the Trimble cabin.

The race climbs in reverse back over Hatcher's pass. This is a long but gradual grind that becomes steeper near the top of the pass. The field will be broken up into pieces by the summit which is a good thing as a steep and treacherous descent down Hatcher's Pass road awaits the riders. At the bottom of the descent riders will make a sharp left and head back uphill. The road here is glass smooth and consists of the only paved section of the entire race. At the end of the paved road the route again becomes gravel and immediately much steeper. After multiple switchbacks the summit finish is achieved at the cabin.

A pre-race meal of sour dough pancakes and coffee will be served at the cabin prior to the race. Post race we will serve wild caught Alaskan Salmon, pasta, and wine.

Course Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/845715

Elevation gain/loss: +7500ft / -7500ft

Distance: 70 miles

Estimated finishing time: 4 - 6 hours

Recommended Bike: Cyclocross with low gearing and finely tuned brakes

Field limit: 50 riders

Support: Lead vehicle, camera car, and broom wagon.

Weather: This is Alaska. The weather could range anywhere from 75 degrees and sunny to 35 degrees and snowing. Be prepared.

Sponsors opportunities

Trimble Racing is looking for partners to make this race a reality. We are looking for brands who can partner with production costs and documentation of this race. The visuals of racing through this beautiful geographic location will be priceless. It is our goal to collect enough images and video to be able to produce a photography exhibition showcasing the race and our sponsors. The infrastructure and costs behind the producing this race is minimal and include pre/post race meals, travel expenses for organizers and select athletes, follow cars, marketing, official photographer, graphic design, and scoring expenses.

We are also looking or our sponsors to provide prizes for the competitors. We prefer to award custom prizes that celebrate the uniqueness of this race. Examples include bike frames, jerseys, travel gear.

David Trimble, david@trimbleracing.com

Gran Fondo Straducale: 200k-4,600m

2011-12-07T06:39:00.001-05:00

LIMAR Ultralight

2011-12-06T12:23:00.001-05:00

Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York just recently was equipped with the LIMAR Ultralight helmet. We're all stoked after wearing it for a few rides but I want to give it a little more time before I write a proper review. Am I biased after receiving a "free" product? You bet. But: with a helmet that light and unnoticeable it's never been so easy to be biased. Check a last year's article on Bikerumor for more information.

Kit watch: Omega Pharma Quick Step

2011-12-05T16:36:00.001-05:00

disapprove

GF Fausto Coppi eliminates starting corrals

2011-11-30T09:44:00.001-05:00

The only way to get a front start at GF Fausto Coppi: pay 100 Euro for a charity slot. What is revolutionary in Italy has a long tradition in the US. There, unfortunately, many race organizers use so called charity spots as just another revenue maker. Only a fraction ends up at the designated charity.

Did you know that charitable events in the US on average only give 20% of the revenue to charity and don't pay taxes while profitable events donate money to charity and pay on average 30% taxes? Choose wisely.

Retroshift

2011-11-29T10:29:00.001-05:00

Now that's creative. Is it also useful? Bikerumor has more.

Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York

2011-11-29T06:44:00.001-05:00

Gran Fondo New York, NewYork’s premier competitive cycling event, announces the creation of itseight-person ambassador team, Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York. The teammembers are fully equipped with products from Gran Fondo New York sponsors. Themain role of Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York is to lead the weekly grouprides for registered participants of the event.

The team is the first ofits kind. CEO of Gran Fondo New York, Uli Fluhme, explains: “Our team ridersare regular cycling enthusiasts from all walks of life. They life, ride andrace in and around the world’s greatest city. However, the degree of sponsorsupport equates to a professional cycling team. Brands recognize the value of directinteraction with their consumers. A professional cyclist will ride whatever he’spaid to ride. But we are picky New Yorkers. We don’t just ride anything. And ifwe like something, we love talking about it to our cycling friends during theweekly Gran Fondo New York group rides as well as in our daily lives.”

Top of the line productsprovided by Gran Fondo New York sponsors includes: Pinarello Dogma 2 bikes, apparelfrom Giordana, Campagnolo’s Super Record, Jetracer cycling shoes by Diadora, theworld’s lightest helmet from Limar, Condor Carbone saddles from Selle SanMarco, bike maintenance products from Finish Line, 1-year subscription from BicyclingMagazine and Strava’s training tracking tool.

Members of the teaminclude the founders and organizers of Gran Fondo New York, Lidia Fluhme andUli Fluhme, and six members of the New York area cycling community: HeidiBroecking from Nyack, NY, Grant Johnson from Brooklyn, NY, Hayden Judd from NewYork, NY, Paul Lebonitte from New York, NY, Vito Valentini from Ridgefield, NJand Wade Wegner from Westwood, NJ.

The mission of GruppoSportivo Gran Fondo New York is to spread the word about true Gran Fondoriding, show good sportsmanship, help others to achieve their goals and growthe cycling community. With the free weekly group rides, registeredparticipants of Gran Fondo New York are encouraged to participate to previewthe course and prepare for the challenging event. The social aspect ofpreparing for the event and positive atmosphere of the rides make the weeklyGran Fondo New York Group Rides a success.

The concept of cyclingcompetitively over a long route is a groundbreaking in the New Yorkmetropolitan area, where previously only non-competitive tours orshort-distance criteriums existed. The mass-participation cycling event conceptwas imported from Italy, where several Gran Fondos take place every weekendthroughout the country from February until October. In keeping with the Italianmotif, the team is called Gruppo Sportivo, or “sports team” in Italian.

Gran Fondo New York ispreparing for the second edition of the event, which will take place on May 20,2012. Over 5,000 participants will ride from New York City to Bear Mountain andback on May 20, 2012. Participants from six continents and 44 US states areregistered and will take on the 100-mile course. Like in running or triathlon,participants are timed to compare their results with others or simply take onthe challenge of the event and accomplish the goal of finishing. The event boastsamong the largest and most international cycling fields in the world.

Vergogna reloaded

2011-11-26T22:17:00.001-05:00

I received a harsh reply to a posting from back in July. I commented on the guy who won Maratona dles Dolomites coming out of nowhere. Here is what a certain Francesco Simeoni had to say about it:

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. Today, Mazzocchi received a one year ban. No, not for doping. He gave his 2010 bib from Maratona dles Dolomites to a friend so he could help him win the race without being signed up.

Enough said. Let's hope he disappears as fast as he showed up.

Transalp 2012

2011-11-26T08:09:00.001-05:00

Route data

	km	hm	number of passes	passes
1. stage	115,17	2.475	2	Buchener Höhe, Kühtai	to stage 1
2. stage	123,87	2.988	2	Timmelsjoch, Jaufenpass	to stage 2
3. stage	90,26	3.046	2	Würzjoch, Furkelpass	to stage 3
4. stage	107,03	2.561	3	Grödnerjoch, Sellajoch, Passo Fedaia	to stage 4
5. stage	128,68	3.047	3	Passo Valles, Passo Rolle, Monte Grappa	to stage 5
6. stage	146,37	2.740	3	Asiago, Melignon, Passo della Fricca	to stage 6
7. stage	94,63	2.224	2	Monte Bondone, Passo del Ballino	to stage 7
Gesamt	806,01	19.081	17

REGISTRATION STARTS DECEMBER 1 at 6am ET.

Campagnolo EPS in detail

2011-11-24T08:02:00.001-05:00

Chemins Ruffecois Classic

2011-11-22T10:03:00.001-05:00

Prestigio 2012 (visual)

2011-11-17T16:29:00.001-05:00

So, who won?

2011-11-16T12:58:00.001-05:00

Sicx pix

2011-11-15T19:00:00.001-05:00

nice event gallery at NYVelocity

Sure thing

2011-11-15T15:18:00.001-05:00

"This year we will have done 48,000 kilometres. He was less 60 kilos, less than when he finished his last Tour and he has muscles of steel, an impressive washboard stomach, the result of 3,000 sit ups a day." Coach about Valverde who is working on a post drug ban comeback

That's 130k per day over 365 days (rain or shine). 3,000 sit ups take 100 mins if you do one every two seconds non stop.

Haute Route 2012 opens today

2011-11-15T08:28:00.001-05:00

After a very successful year one, I expect the Haute Route stage race to sell out very quickly. Registration is due to open today. They're currently fighting server issues but that should be solved soon.

From the website:

The Haute Route will offer different stage formats, which will include a 160 km marathon stage and a time trial up the Col du Granon. Each night, riders will enjoy the hospitality of famous Alpine resorts such as Megeve, Les Arcs, Serre Chevalier, Pra Loup and Auron.

Route details:
   •   7 consecutive stages from 21st -27th August 2011;
   •   730 kms in 7 stages;
   •   15 cols and 17,000 metres of cumulative ascent;
   •   4 hill top finishes;
   •   start in Geneva and finish in Nice;
   •   5 host Alpine resorts: Megeve, Les Arcs / Bourg-St-Maurice, Serre Chevalier, Pra Loup and Auron
   •   4 natural parks (Vanoise, Ecrins, Queyras and Mercantour);
   •   2 countries, 1 Swiss Canton and 5 French departments.

Race details
   •   4 classic stages between 80 and 120 kms with 2 or 3 passes to climb on each stage;
   •   1 marathon stage of 160 kms including cols of Madeleine, Telegraphe and Galibier;
   •   1 individual time trial up the Col du Granon;
   •   the final prestigious stage finishing on the Promenade des Anglais. 

The 2012 Italian Gran Fondo Season: February and March

2011-11-12T09:22:00.001-05:00

5 February GRAN FONDO CITTÀ DI LOANO
12 February GRAN FONDO INTERNAZIONALE LAIGUEGLIA
26 February GRAN FONDO FRANCESO CESARINI
4 March GRAN FONDO VAL DI CECINA
11 March GRAN FONDO CITTA' DI CAMOGLI
11 March GRAN FONDO CITTA' DI GROSSETO
11 March LA SAGRANTINO
25 March GRAN FONDO CITTA' DI LA SPEZIA
26 March GRAN FONDO DEL PONTE

For event links and the full calendar, check cycling.it, dalzero.it or lecomaridellamdd.it.

The first races of the new Gran Fondo season can be the best you will ever experience. Not necessarily for their difficulty, challenging courses or your top fitness but for the excitement in the air that only comes with a new beginning. Everyone is keen to show the new team kit and bike. It's the time where you see old friends and together you complain about the lack of training courtesy of the dark and cold. And cold it can indeed still be at those first races, especially at the start in the morning. But once things warm up a little in the afternoon, there's a chance you can enjoy the post race festivities outside in the sun.

Not only the pros open their true racing season at the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy but so do the Gran Fondisti. Loano is host to the first and incredibly early GF on February 5 at the Ligurian Coast. The event has more of a local flavor compared to its neighbor in Laigueglia, held one week later. In 2011, GF Laigueglia was part of the "Prestigio" series which led to record participation of 4,000 riders. There's no doubt that Laigugelia is the unofficial kick-off to the Gran Fondo season. Few riders are in great shape in February (or any shape to speak of) but there's hardly a better place to get into race mode than Laigueglia. After flying along the stunning coast during the opening k's, the course hits the inland hills which immediately provide ample challenge to set apart the "already fit" from the "getting in shape". Due to road constructions, the 2012 course has been slightly modified and is now 100k long with 1,600m of climbing.

passista says: Laigueglia is a must if you just can't wait for spring. It's a sweet taste of things to come and it breaks up any long and dark winter. Join Gruppo Sportivo Gran Fondo New York on February 12 in Laigueglia and March 25 in La Spezia. Otherwise, choose between any of the March races to get ready for the big mammas in April and May. Stay tuned for a description of the spring highlights.

Nove Colli full

2011-11-08T18:56:00.002-05:00

If you thought about riding Nove Colli on May 20 next year but haven't pulled the trigger yet, you're officially lucked out now. The event has reached its capacity with 12,000 participants. Rumors have it though that Gran Fondo New York on the same day still has spots open.

Cyclosportives in France 2012 - UPDATE

2011-11-08T18:33:00.003-05:00

• samedi 4 février : les Routes de l'Etoile
• dimanche 12 février : le Granfondo Laigueglia
• samedi 25 février : la Specialized-Classic Sud Ardèche
• dimanche 4 mars : la Jacques Gouin
• dimanche 18 mars : le Raid des Alpilles
• dimanche 25 mars : la Corima Drôme Provençale
• dimanche 1er avril : Paris-Roubaix Challenge
• dimanche 1er avril : la Charly Bérard
• dimanche 1er avril : la Roger Pingeon
• dimanche 8 avril : la Cyclo'Corse
• dimanche 15 avril : l'Epervier
• dimanche 15 avril : les Routes du Ventoux
• samedi 21 avril : LBL cyclo
• samedi 28 avril : la Bourguignonne
• dimanche 29 avril : la Scott-1000 Bosses
• dimanche 29 avril : Sur la Route des Cathares
• mardi 1er mai : la Vélostar
• dimanche 6 mai : la RhôneAlpine Patrice Halgand
• mardi 8 mai : la Lozérienne
• dimanche 13 mai : l'Orbea Octogonale
• jeudi 17 mai : les 3 Cols
• samedi 19/dimanche 20 mai : la Look
• dimanche 20 mai : Gran Fondo New York
• dimanche 27 mai : Challenge Vercors
• samedi 2/dimanche 3 juin : Lyon-Mont Blanc
• samedi 2 juin : la Claudio Chiappucci
• dimanche 3 juin : la Roland Fangille
• samedi 9 juin : les Cimes du Mercantour
• samedi 9 juin : la Granite Mont Lozère
• samedi 9 juin : les 3 Ballons
• dimanche 10 juin : la Time Megève Mont Blanc
• dimanche 10 juin : la Eloi Tassin
• mercredi 13/samedi 16 juin : l'Ardéchoise
• dimanche 17 juin : la Morzine Vallée d'Aulps
• dimanche 24 juin : la Marmotte d'Olt
• samedi 30 juin : l'Ariégeoise
• samedi 30 juin : la Pierre Le Bigaut
• samedi 7 juillet : la Marmotte
• dimanche 8 juillet : Etape du Tour Acte I Albertville-La Toussuire
• samedi 14 juillet : Etape du Tour Acte II Pau-Bagnères de Luchon
• samedi 14 juillet : l'Arvan Villards
• vendredi 20/dimanche 22 juillet : le Raid Extrême Vosgien
• samedi 28 juillet : la Montée de Risoul
• dimanche 29 juillet : la Risoul Vauban
• dimanche 29 juillet : la Lily Bergaud
• vendredi 3 août : la Laurent Fignon
• dimanche 19 au samedi 25 août : la Haute Route Genève-Nice
• samedi 25/dimanche 26 août : les 24 Heures Vélo
• dimanche 26 août : la Massi Font Romeu
• samedi 1er septembre : Championnat de France Masters CLM à Montdardier
• dimanche 2 septembre : la Midi Libre Cycl'Aigoual
• dimanche 2 septembre : la Lapébie
• dimanche 16 septembre : les Bosses du 13
• dimanche 23 septembre : la Drômoise
• dimanche 30 septembre : les Cimes du lac d'Annecy

COURTESY OF VELO101

Ride of the day (unknown)

2011-11-08T18:28:00.001-05:00

Campagnolo EPS

2011-11-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

I had a chance to check out the electronic Campagnolo group back in May on Andrea Pinarello's bike. Now it has been presented to the industry. More information here.

Singlespeed Cyclocross in Italy

2011-11-02T15:58:00.000-04:00

GF NY at GF Laigueglia

2011-11-02T15:44:00.000-04:00

Gran Fondo New York will be at the expo and race of Italy's season opener "Gran Fondo Laigueglia" on February 11 and 12, 2012. I wrote an article on this beautiful race earlier this year. There just isn't anything like the first race of the reason. Everyone is checking out the new kits and bikes. A fresh start. Something to live for during the coming winter months.

Eddy Merckx kicks

2011-11-02T15:11:00.001-04:00

De Crossrad

2011-10-31T09:18:00.003-04:00

Rad.

"It’s a Belgian version of tractor-pulling: an excuse for people to gather near a muddy field, eat chips and drink beer from a plastic cup (actually, this sounds good). It even inspires country and western songs in Flemish like the clip above."

ASSOS Zegho

2011-10-31T09:08:00.002-04:00

$500. Some funny comments over at Bikerumor.

Prestigio Granfondo 2012

2011-10-27T12:36:00.001-04:00

11 marzo 2012 Sagrantino, Montefalco- Perugia
1 aprile 2012 Selle Italia, Cervia
1 maggio 2012 Dieci Colli, Bologna
20 maggio 2012 Nove Colli, Cesenatico
3 giugno 2012 Damiano Cunego, Verona
17 giugno 2012 Sportful, Feltre
1 luglio 2012 Maratona delle Dolomiti, Corvara-Bolzano
1 luglio 2012 Maratona degli Appennini, Urbino
15 luglio 2012 Pinarello Cycling, Treviso
26 agosto 2012 Oetzaler, Solden-Austria
2 settembre 2012 Colnago- Piacenza

Sagrantino is new. Straducale returns as Maratona alternative and "Oetzi" is back again.

Giro 2012 brochure

2011-10-27T11:25:00.001-04:00

FULL BROCHURE (pdf)

Bikelordz

2011-10-24T22:14:00.002-04:00

Les etapes du Tour 2012

2011-10-23T10:34:00.002-04:00

Two awesome stages of the 2012 tour will feature a cyclosportive. Tough choice given the fun they both will have to offer. July 8 and 14! Registration opens November 17 at noon CET.

Cyclosportive in France 2012

2011-10-21T16:23:00.001-04:00

• samedi 25 février : la Specialized-Classic Sud Ardèche
• dimanche 4 mars : la Jacques Gouin
• dimanche 25 mars : la Corima Drôme Provençale
• dimanche 1er avril : Paris-Roubaix Challenge
• dimanche 1er avril : la Charly Bérard
• samedi 21 avril : LBL cyclo
• samedi 28 avril : la Bourguignonne
• dimanche 29 avril : la Scott-1000 Bosses
• mardi 1er mai : la Vélostar
• dimanche 13 mai : l'Orbea Octogonale
• jeudi 17 mai : les 3 Cols
• samedi 19/dimanche 20 mai : la Look
• samedi 2/dimanche 3 juin : Lyon-Mont Blanc
• samedi 2 juin : la Claudio Chiappucci
• samedi 9 juin : les Cimes du Mercantour
• dimanche 17 juin : la Morzine Vallée d'Aulps
• samedi 7 juillet : la Marmotte
• dimanche 8 juillet : Etape du Tour Acte I Albertville-La Toussuire
• samedi 14 juillet : Etape du Tour Acte II Pau-Bagnères de Luchon
• samedi 28 juillet : la Montée de Risoul
• dimanche 29 juillet : la Risoul Vauban
• dimanche 29 juillet : la Lily Bergaud
• dimanche 19 au samedi 25 août : la Haute Route Genève-Nice
• dimanche 2 septembre : la Lapébie
• dimanche 16 septembre : les Bosses du 13

Selle San Marco Concor Carbon

2011-10-19T13:02:00.001-04:00

TOUS FOUS DU TOUR

2011-10-18T14:34:00.003-04:00

details

Please explain

2011-10-17T11:01:00.002-04:00

Wherever. Whenever.

2011-10-17T09:40:00.001-04:00

The toughest race in the most beautiful place

2011-10-14T08:38:00.001-04:00

Giro di Lombardia forever

2011-10-11T13:19:00.000-04:00

It's happening this weekend and then again already in 49 weeks:
"The Professional Cycling Council has approved a change to the 2012 UCI WorldTour calendar, which sees the Il Lombardia (formerly Giro di Lombardia) event in Italy brought forward to the weekend following the UCI Road World Championships.As the Il Lombardia will normally be scheduled on the first Saturday after the Road World Championships, in 2012 the Il Lombardia will be held on Saturday September 29. The next day is expected to feature a presentation of the following season’s Giro d’Italia event."

The future of steel

2011-10-11T13:16:00.000-04:00

"Reflecting the state of the American economy, the handmade bike bubble appears to be bursting. After a few years of irrational exuberance in the marketplace for sparkly paint, curly lugs and clever branding a new level of consumer skepticism has arrived. With only a few exceptions, America's handmade artistes use stock steel tubesets. Inevitably their bikes deliver a stock steel ride. Steel is nice. But now that well-known brands offer decent steel road bikes at half the handmade price, it's tough to go the handmade route. Examples include US companies like Soma and Co-Motion, as well as Italian companies like Gios and Tommassini . Steel is here to stay, and much of the credit for its goes to the handmade scene. But price is always an object, perhaps never more so than now.

Where steel is likely to have the most enduring impact isn't in the road racing market, where lightness rightfully reigns supreme. Rather, it's in the urban/commuter market where there is effectively no high-end demand. But it's a market where style trumps technology. We're not talking about hybrids here, but rather something more utilitarian and design-minded like what you see from Charge or Fixie or Public. Practical, tasteful, and not too expensive. This is the future of our industry, and cost-effective Asian-built steel frames are the key ingredient." SOURCE: competitivecyclist.com

Castelli CX suit

2011-10-11T12:06:00.001-04:00

Le Tour 2012

2011-10-11T11:38:00.001-04:00

A classic opening week that gets progressively hillier as the race heads to the Alps. A tough time trial is followed by a brief stay in the Alps and then Pyrenees are short and sharp too. After celebrating the Tourmalet in 2010 and the Galibier in 2011 the race lessens its focus on the high mountains.

Back on Kaloko Drive

2011-10-05T23:09:00.003-04:00

Just when you thought that...

2011-10-04T14:25:00.004-04:00

...the Giro would now become more mellow post Zomegnan, you read this blog posting:

Grand Tours rumors

2011-10-01T11:11:00.003-04:00

While a Giro stage will finish atop Stelvio after crossing Mortirolo on the way, there's a website desperately trying to find out where exactly the Tour is headed in 2012. Some people are so excited, they just can't hide it!

Gran Fondo Tasmania

2011-09-29T22:51:00.000-04:00

With USM Events there's another big sports events company betting on the Gran Fondo market. In this case it seems to be a good thing, because they have timing so it's not a bloody tour like so many "Gran Fondo" in the US. USM also puts on the triathlons 'Challenge Cairns' and Noosa among others. Expect a quality event. More info here.

Tafi, passista

2011-09-29T22:33:00.000-04:00

Damn

2011-09-29T16:50:00.003-04:00

Now this is not a MTB site but, damn!

Aldag, passista

2011-09-23T19:40:00.002-04:00

Word

2011-09-23T18:43:00.002-04:00

Chasing the perfect moment

2011-09-23T17:44:00.002-04:00