Ride Michigan’s Upper Peninsula 2024 - Click here to find out more!
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado Kicks Off National Grand Fondo Italia 2014!

Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado Kicks off Gran Fondo Italia's Series of 2014 Cycling Events

Snowmass Village, CO – June 25th, 2014 – Today, Snowmass, Colorado is proud to announce the popular International Cycling series, “Gran Fondo Italia” is kicking off their American tour on August 10, 2014 in Snowmass VillageAs the continuation of the first cycling series joining recreational cycling and the Italian lifestyle, the Gran Fondo Italia Aspen-Snowmass ride will showcase the excellence of Italian food, wine, tourism and culture.

Cyclists of all abilities can experience some of the most famous road cycling destination rides in the United States, including 95 and 45 mile course options that include a unique and spectacular “Gran Premio della Montagna” hill climb challenge to the finish with awards for men and women in multiple age group categories.  Just about every mile on the course contains the visual scenery that makes Aspen-Snowmass one of the best destinations for cycling in the world.

Cyclists will tour Colorado classics that include Owl Creek, Castle Creek, McLain Flats, Frying Pan, and Brush Creek before heading to the finish line in Snowmass Village.  With a limited field of 499 riders, this premiere event will provide the best odds in the international series to win the best bike in the world: a Colnago C60 that will be awarded to one lucky registered rider. Modeled after the incredibly popular Gran Fondo cycling event format that originated in Italy, the ride will begin with a combined mass start in Snowmass Village, complete with an official Italian style start celebration, lead-out and police escort. 

The Gran Fondo Italia Aspen-Snowmass ride offers two courses that will provide a beautiful cycling terrain that includes stunning mountain views, miles of riverside riding and picturesque farmland. On both Saturday and Sunday, cyclists and guests will have the chance to experience top Italian products from sponsors Colnagofi’zi:kKASK and Pissei along with many other top Italian brands and local, regional and national brands part of the Gran Fondo Italia Expo at Base Village Plaza.

This fun atmosphere for riders, family and friends, will also be shared with thousands of athletes visiting Snowmass Village for the Ragnar Trail Relay and 2014 USA Pro Challenge.“Hosting the Gran Fondo Italia Aspen-Snowmass is a thrill for our town,” says Bill Boineau, Mayor, Town of Snowmass Village.  “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the bike friendly activities in our region, celebrate the Italian heritage of the event, and show our incredible destination to cyclists from around the world.”

For more information about the Gran Fondo Italia Aspen-Snowmass, visit: www.thegranfondoitalia.com/gran-fondo-italia-aspen-snowmass.

 

About Gran Fondo Italia

Gran Fondo Italia's CEO Matteo Gerevini (left) and Gran Fondo Italia's Managing Director Greg Hendrickson (right)Gran Fondo Italia is the cycling event format that joins recreational cycling and the Italian lifestyle. The format promoted by Gran Fondo Italia CEO Matteo Gerevini and the Managing Director Greg Hendrickson since 2009 is now perfectly branded to showcase Made in Italy cycling, the excellence of Italian food, wine and tourism, and Gran Fondo event partnerships in Italy. The Gran Fondo Italia calendar includes four dates in 2014: Aspen-Snowmass (Colorado) the 10th of August, Atlanta-Roswell (Georgia) the 19th of October, Miami-Coral Gables (Florida) the 9th of November and Rio de Janerio (Brazil) the 16th of November.

For more information, please visit: www.thegranfondoitalia.com.

About Snowmass, CO 

A quaint Colorado town tucked away in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, located just 9 miles from downtown Aspen.  Snowmass is consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in the world and is the second largest ski resort in Colorado, offering 3,362 acres of unmatchable terrain and the second largest vertical drop of any ski area in the United States.  Surrounded by many of Colorado’s most notable mountain peaks, it is home to some of life’s biggest experiences. Even though the best ski and snowboard terrain in North America is found here, Snowmass summer adventures are just as impressive and unforgettable—from premier fly fishing, white water rafting and kayaking to summer festivals and weekly rodeos. Within this 25-square-mile town, you’ll find over 50 miles of hiking and biking trail, an 18-hole, Jim Engh designed golf course and two 18-hole disc golf courses. The Thursday Night Summer of Free Music Night concert series draws thousands to picnic, lounge or dance the evening away. Over 95% of the lodging options are right on the slopes and there is free transportation throughout Snowmass and to and from Aspen, making a stay in Snowmass as convenient and comfortable as possible.  Snowmass offers unmatched year-round natural splendor and beauty, small-town friendliness, breathtaking backdrops and 300 days of annual sunshine.  For more information on Snowmass, Colorado visit www.gosnowmass.com.

Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado Kicks Off National Grand Fondo Italia 2014