Peter Sagan launches gravel event in California

Sagan Fondo on May 5 in Truckee billed as a competitive, festive event

Published: February 12, 2018 at 7:36 pm

How big is gravel? Big enough that the biggest name in the sport now has a gravel gran fondo. This May 5 in Truckee, California, the Sagan Fondo will tackle a 67mi course on gravel and dirt roads, with prizes going to the top three finishers in various age groups.

Three-time world champion Peter Sagan partnered with cycling event producer Bike Monkey, organizer of Levi's GranFondo.

The May 5 Sagan Fondo will benefit the King Ridge Foundation and the Specialized Foundation.

Sagan will also have a paved-road fondo on November 3, also in California, with a route still to be determined.

The gravel Sagan Fondo is designed for riders on gravel or cyclocross bikes. Bike Monkey will provide traffic-controlled intersections, marshalls, moto officials and SAG support.

Registration opens on Thursday, February 15th at saganfondo.com, with participation limited to 1,500 riders.

“What Peter said to us from the start is that his ride has to help people experience some of what he loves about California: the great beauty, the challenge, the strong cycling culture,” Carlos Perez, Bike Monkey’s founder, said in a press release. “We’re finding the places that best represent that and working hard to make sure Peter’s classic, fun spirit comes across in them as well.”

Last year Sagan became a C40 Goodwill Ambassador for Biking Cities, addressing climate change and encouraging people to ride bikes.

The King Ridge Foundation is a non-profit corporation based in Santa Rosa, California that supports at-risk youth programs across the US.