Calling itself the largest cycling event in the United States, New York City's TD Five Boro Bike Tour drew more than 32,000 riders this year. Many of those also participated in the Giro d'Italia Gran Fondo Five Boro, a first-time VIP package for the event.
At the name implies, the Five Boro Bike Tour takes riders on a traffic-free route through Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island, before returning by ferry to Manhattan.
Joining the ride this year was former world champion Gianni Bugno.
Like any finisher of the Giro d'Italia Gran Fondo can do, Bugno posed with the Giro trophy
"It is a great emotion to ride in New York, among so many bike enthusiasts.Truly a festival of cycling, not particularly competitive, but a real cycling experience and fun,” said Bugno.
While the bike tour was not timed, participants in the Giro d'Italia Gran Fondo could put in an effort on the Verrazano Bridge at the end for a recorded time. And then all the gran fondo riders were welcomed to join in on the pasta feast afterwards and pose for pictures with the Giro trophy.
This year the Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia series has four US events. It kicked off in April at the Sea Otter Classic with a 56-mile coastal route and a 98-mile inland option. Upcoming editions in Pasadena, California on June 2 and Miami on November 10 will each have three route options.
More than 32,000 riders rolled out of Manhattan for the 40-mile ride
