After experiencing some success with two Italian-style events in the US last year, the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia is expanding to four grand fondos for 2013, including new stops at the Sea Otter Classic on April 20 and the TD Five Boro Bike Tour on May 5.
Sea Otter has hosted a gran fondo in recent years, and this year Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia will take over ownership and presentation, with two different routes. Both start on the Laguna Seca Race Track, with the 96-mile Carmel Valley and 49-mile Coastal options open to riders of all capabilities.
Expect plenty of Italian flavor at Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia events
Similarly, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour is a New York institution, with more than 30,000 cyclists participating. The new Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Five Boro is a VIP option of this 40-mile, traffic-free through New York's five boroughs. In addition to some Giro d'Italia swag, gran fondo riders can enjoy meals before and after, and race up the timed climb of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia is also continuing with the June 2 event in Pasadena, California and the November 10 ride in Miami.
All events will carry Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia's format of a mass start, timed climbs and and an Italian environment.
Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia is organized by RCS Sport, which owns the Giro d’Italia as well as other marquee professional races like Milan-San Remo, Tour of Lombardy, Tirreno-Adriatico and Strade Bianche.
Organizers bring the Giro d'Italia trophy to the events for photos with riders
