The tropical edition of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Miami/Coral Gables is coming to Miami/Coral Gables on Sunday, November 11th 2012

"Rise & shine, Miami! All is ready for the sunny edition of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia in the Magic City: celebrity riders, authentic Italian merchandise and loads of fun will be a perfect conclusion of the 2012 cycling season.

 The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Series brings to America a distinctive Italian touch, and it is organized under the iconic brand name of Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s largest cycling events and definitely the toughest. It is a ride (and not a race), open to different levels of ability, where thousands of perfectly outfitted cyclists join in to share the camaraderie and the exhilaration of this sport, eager to complete a unique course. But there is no doubt: from designer jerseys, to an exciting 2-day expo and an Italian post-ride meal, everything about this event will be a memorable experience! All the participants in Miami can even take a picture with the original trophy of the Giro (Trofeo Senza Fine), as the winner of the Giro d’Italia usually does. Weather conditions are, of course, expected to be splendid. Yet cyclists will have to face their challenges, a sweet price to pay for this unique adventure.

 Starting from Coral Gables “Miracle Mile,” participants tackle one of the three scenic courses available (25 miles, 54 miles and 100 miles), riding through beautiful buildings, wonderful gardens and magnificent homes. The longest ones will continue South and West into the vast agricultural areas of South Florida, passing fields of palms and tropical shrubbery. Rest stops, especially on the long course, are situated at some of South Florida’s best known tourist locations: a beautiful historic estate, a beloved fruit stand, and a unique nature preserve. The Finish Line and the Expo will be in front of Miami’s famous City Hall, formerly the Pan American airlines terminal.

 Adolfo Barattolo, Consul General of Italy in Miami announces: “in Florida, Italy is regarded as synonymous of design, elegance and technology. We look forward to welcoming this amazing signature event.” Michele Acquarone, General Director of RCS Sports, at a recent press conference at Interbike, underlined the significance of the Gran Fondo as a means for the brand to “reinforce the relationship between cycling fans and the mystique of the Giro. To grow and enhance the importance of Giro d’Italia in the world, we decided to bet on the United States, where the romance of this sport and Italy is strong.”

 Sponsors include some of the best cycling brands, such as Pinarello, Vittoria, FSA, Selle Italia, Limar and Santini. The event is under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy in Miami and the Italian Trade Commission, supported by Bicycling, Universal Sport, Biltmore Hotel, Astoria Wines, Highgear Cycling, and will benefit Florida International University.”


Event Schedule

Saturday, November 10
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Expo at Miami City Hall
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Packet Pick-up at the Registration Area at the Expo
7:00 PM Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia VIP Reception, Location TBD

Sunday, November 11
5:00 to 6:30 AM Packet Pick-up at the Registration Area at the Expo
7:00 AM Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Ride Start at Miami City Hall
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Expo at Miami City Hall
5:00 PM Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia last rider arrival

Special Guest

Mario Cipollini, also known as "Super Mario", "Cipo" and "Lion King" will be riding in the Magic City! Cipollini is a true champion who has won the most stages of the Giro d'Italia (42), in addition to the World Road Cycling Championship, the Milano San-Remo, three Gent-Wevelgem, and 12 stages of the Tour de France, culminating in an impressive record of 189 total victories in his long and acclaimed career.



Miami Official Jersey



Course Description

Your choice of 3 scenic routes through Miami and the South Florida (25, 55 & 100 miles)
The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Miami-Coral Gables starts in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile. The ride begins at 7:00 am, with a police escorted rollout on Miracle Mile, Ponce de Leon Ave, and beyond. The course loops around a traffic circle, so you will ride past the thousands of other participants as you head back up Ponce towards Miracle Mile. You’ll pass Coral Gables City Hall, a beautiful Mediterranean Style building, constructed in 1927, built mostly from Coral rock, past the Historic Biltmore Hotel heading south along lush avenues flanked by wonderful gardens and magnificent homes.

At mile 11 the riders will have the option of turning on the short (25 mile) course, and heading toward the finish line in Miami.

For those riders that continue, the route moves south into the communities of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and eventually to Black Point. At mile 25 the riders have the option of choosing the medium distance route (54 miles) and returning to Miami.

The long distance route (101 miles) will continue South and West into the vast agricultural areas of South Florida. Riders will pass fields of Palms and tropical flowers and will see wonderful fruit stands that sell local produce and fruit milkshakes. Cyclists will test their endurance, battling against wind, heat, and humidity.

Rest stops, especially on the long course, are situated at some of South Florida’s best known tourist locations: a beautiful historic estate, a beloved fruit stand, and a unique Nature preserve.

All routes end in Miami by going through Coconut Grove, a pedestrian and bike friendly community known for its lush trees, Biscayne Bay Water Front parks, shops and outdoor cafes. At the northern most point the course turns East and riders will catch a glimpse of Biscayne Bay as they round Brickell before heading south again and reaching the Finish Line at Dinner Key in front of Miami’s Iconic City Hall, formerly the Pan American World Airlines Terminal, long known as the “Gateway to the Americas.”

Registration

Registration is limited to 2,0000 riders, prices vary.
Visit active.com for complete details.

Course Summaries

Short Course: 25 miles map
Medium Course: 54 miles route
Long Course*: 101 miles route
*This course is suggested for experienced riders in good physical condition

All courses are subject to change at the organizers discretion per the requests of the municipalities and other agencies.

The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Miami/Coral Gables is a perfect wrap up of the cycling season with a blast of pink! For additional information, please visit: www.granfondogiroditalia.com