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Giro d’Italia Champion Damiano Cunego previews the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma routes

From the Colosseum to the Roman Castles, Damiano Cunego recently discovered the roads of GF Campagnolo Roma, which will take place this October 7-8-9, with the expert guidance of event organiser Gianluca Santilli, who is also responsible for amateur cycling in the Italian Federation and promoter of the Bike Economy.

Giro dItalia Champion Damiano Cunego previews the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma routes

Damiano Cunego recently discovered the roads of GF Campagnolo Roma, The 2004 Giro champion and leader of Team NIPPO Vini Fantini cycled on the roads and hills of Rome, among historic symbols of the city, exploring the GF Campagnolo Roma routes and familiarising himself in advance of this challenge next October.

Before of the technical aspect of the itinerary, Cunego discovered the wonderful landscapes and Granfondo routes amongst the Roman Castles, with perfect roads not only for cycling addicts, but also for cycling lovers and cycle tourists: “There are no words to describe the atmosphere in which we have been riding today, exploring the GF Campagnolo Roma routes. The best way to understand it will be to ride it together in October” – said Damiano Cunego - “To ride it on closed roads, with no traffic during the Granfondo days will be special. As my friend Mr. Santilli was telling me, the Bike Economy could really be the solution to improve the quality of life in all the world’s big cities. It would be wonderful if the three days of next October, that will host the Granfondo, will become the mirror of the everyday lifestyle of the city. The routes will be a good experience and they can be approached with different intensity by every category of cyclist.”

Early October is a time when many of Europe’s cyclists are getting ready to take out their indoor cycle trainers and think about the summer gone by. Granfondo Campagnolo Roma will give cyclists one more magical opportunity to ride a beautiful, challenging sportive, in a climate more reminiscent of summer. The season can be closed in one of the world’s most captivating cities.

The Bike Expo is an opportunity to explore bikes and accessories which riders from northern Europe would not normally see and offers the chance to interact with the Italian cycling community in a beautiful setting.

Gianluca Santilli, at the end of the day talked also with some Mayors of Frascati, Rocca di Papa, Rocca Priora, Monte Compatri e Monte Porzio Catone, who will host the Granfondo Campagnolo Roma and the week after will host the International conference on the Bike Economy: “At the end of the ride I had the pleasure to talk with Damiano Cunego and some of the local Mayors about the economic future of cycle tourism and how the bike can give strong returns to the local economy. The Granfondo Campagnolo Roma will be a step but not the final goal. Such big events are a great opportunity to bring to life to the public a new way of living in their city. I am always reminded that the New York Marathon gave the desire to run to American people. This has to be the main goal of an event such as the GF Campagnolo Roma - to make riding in the city enjoyable for lots of people.”

Save the date to put on your agenda now - the 7-8-9 of October 2016, for all cycling lovers. See you in Rome.

Events

The Granfondo Campagnolo Roma

The most important event, a ride of 120 km and 1,700 mt of altitude, with 4 timed climbs, designed for experienced riders. Pedaling immersed in history, the magnificent scenery of the Colosseum and the Fori Imperiali through Rome, then venture out of town in the beautiful landscape of Castelli Romani and Lake Albano, before returning to Rome at the Terme di Caracalla.

The ride "In bici ai Castelli"
Non-competitive, 60 km to the Lake Albano, for those who want to take a ride with friends, even with pedal assisted bicycles.

• L’Imperiale - The Appian Way
A great opportunity for all historic cycling enthusiasts.
The ride is reserved for pre-1987 bicycles and cyclists with vintage clothing and is held on the same path of "Castelli Cycling", then from Rome to Albano and back, but with an end of absolute charm: the Via Appia Antica - rare beauty in a city that, like no other city in the world, provides emotion of the story, in this case of Rome, the bicycle and cycling.

• The MiniFondo.
A ride designed for children in the beautiful scenery of the Terme di Caracalla. Pure cycling fun for children, accompanied by volunteers to attend their recreational activities.

To Register go to: granfondoroma.com