Sunday, November 20, 2011

“Gran Fondo” means “Big Ride” in Italian
Gran Fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that are immensely popular in Italy. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and tens of thousands of riders of all abilities participate.

Gran Fondos are often named after famous cyclists of the past, or after companies with a long heritage in cycling. Some of the most famous Gran Fondos include the Prosecco Cycling Classic, the Nove Colli and the Felice Gimondi.


America’s First Gran Fondo Series
Now this exciting cycling tradition has come to America. With its four events in 2011 (San Diego, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami), Gran Fondo USA is producing America’s first Gran Fondo series.

Every participant in a Gran Fondo USA event wears a timing chip. This ensures that cyclists complete the entire course, and allows the event to score athletes over the toughest climb and award King – and Queen — of the Mountains prizes in every age group.

Just like in Italy, every Gran Fondo USA event includes challenging routes, fantastic giveaways, a consumer expo, well-stocked aid stations, mobile tech support and a fun post-race party.


All Abilities Welcome
Some cyclists enter for the challenge and satisfaction of making it to the finish line; others want to push themselves and their friends; and some ride to win!

Regardless, every Gran Fondo USA event is an unforgettable cycling experience!


Benvenuti to the first Gran Fondo Colnago Miami!

Join us at the inaugural Gran Fondo Colnago Miami, part of America’s original gran fondo series: an unforgettable cycling experience and Gran Fondo USA signature “Big Ride”.

Event includes:
• Long distance, medium distance and short distance routes
• Complimentary limited edition custom jersey MADE IN ITALY by Cuore Italiano
• 2-day event expo
• Goody bag
• Official finisher’s medal
• Post RIDE Italian-style lunch FOR ALL THE PARTICIPANTS!
• Well-stocked aid stations
• Mobile tech-support by FSA
• Custom bike number with participant's name
• Bike valet service during post-event party


Routes
The Gran Fondo Colnago Miami offers a three route options for cyclists of all abilities:

Long distance – 100 Miles

Starting from Coral Gables City Hall, the 101-mile course will take riders onto the beautiful streets and avenues of Miami. Enjoy the distinctive architecture and tropical flora as the route continues to and through agricultural and palm growing areas. Aid stations are provided at some of South Florida’s best known tourist locations, a beautiful historic estate, a beloved fruit stand, and one of the largest test gardens in the US. The final leg returns riders to downtown Miami, paralleling the water and concluding in front of historic Miami City Hall, site of one of the world’s first air terminals and featured in the new ABC television show “Pan Am.”

Medium distance – 55 Miles
Short distance – 25 Miles

Starting at the Miracle Mile of Coral Gables City hall, the medium and short courses will take cyclists first through beautiful urban Miami, with its fine examples of Spanish architecture, and then out to the surrounding areas, through palms and tropical flora. The final leg of the ride returns to downtown to the Gran Fondo Expo, in front of historic Miami City Hall, where a lively post-ride pasta party will conclude the 2011 season of Gran Fondo USA.

Event Start
All routes start at Coral Gables City Hall.

Event Finish & Expo
Miami City Hall.

A wonderful orange and white bike jersey, produce in Italy by Cuore Italiano, will be given to all the participants to the first Gran Fondo Colnago Miami




Registration

$120 per entry

Saturday, November 19 (on site registration): $150 per entry

Be sure to register early to secure your entry! The ride is limited so register now to be sure to have your spot on the most exciting Gran Fondo ever!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Online registration will close on November 13 and will re-open on Saturday, November 19 at the Event Expo pending availability.

THERE WILL BE NO REGISTRATION THE DAY OF THE EVENT. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Online registration is provided exclusively by Active.com.

Visit Gran Fondo Colnago Miami for more information, VIP registration, packet pickup, etc.