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2nd Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia Los Angeles - Pasadena

The 2nd edition of Giro d'Italia's Los Angeles event rolled out last weekend, with over 1,000 cyclists lining up at the start - to experience a tradition 104 years of authentic Italian cycling culture. 

Riders from all over California, surrounding States and those on business from abroad on the west Coast, took part.

Gran Fondo's started way back in Italy in the early 1900's and have in recent years have taken North America by storm, with a handful of events in 2009  - to well over 100 events in the US and Canada this year.

And it's growing fast!

But Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia adds that authentic Italian culture, combining the organisation of a competitive race with the festive atmosphere of a recreational ride, served up alongside authentic Italian cuisine and this year a Bike Expo alogside the event.

Cyclists had the choice of 3 routes, depending on their fitness and abilities - with courses of 25, 68 and 94 miles.

The routes took the riders through scenic neighborhoods of the San Gabriel Valley and each route began and ended at Pasadena City Hall.

The trophy of the Giro d'Italia professional race was on hand at the start and for those who completed the course in the fastest time.

Riders adding "the event is a little more laid back than your normal bike race, there is much more of a community feel and cyclists of all shapes and sizes can take part. Italian lunch waiting for riders at the finish line was a nice way to cap off the ride!"

Riders were served paninis, several types of pasta, chicken with balsamic onions and provolone along with chopped salads. The food was prepared top chef Alex Eusebio.

Riders were very lucky with the relatively mild conditions during Sunday's Gran Fondo.

Following his first-place finish, Suplicy took his spot on the podium to hold aloft the trophy.

Suplicy, a former professional triathlete and founder of  a snack company, Barnana (which was part of the event Expo) said he now enjoys the less competitive Gran Fondo rides. "I don't have time to train seriously anymore - but I still enjoy getting out on my bike, keeping fit, healthy and enjoying a great ride with lots of other cyclists"

The first woman to cross the finish line of the 25-mile route was 48-year-old Christy Nicholson, who finished in 1:45:38.

In the medium-length course, Lauris Liberts, 36, came in first with a time of 3:45:15. The top woman was 29-year-old Dominique Valencia, with a time of 4:05:30.

James Ballantine, 49, crossed the finish line of the 94-mile course first, in 4:34:33. The first woman to cross the line, with a time of 4:39:08, was Lisa Cerqueira, 56.

The short route took riders on a loop around Pasadena and Altadena, while the medium route took riders as far west as San Dimas, and the long route lead spread all the way east to Claremont.

The Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia partnered this year with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, who support women diagnosed with breast cancer..

All proceeds from the raffle and silent auction benefited the foundation, with a minimum donation of $5,000 pledged by the organizers Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia.

Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia provides a series of top quality Gran Fondo's across the United States and their next event is the Gran Fondo Miami Coral Cables in Florida on the 10th November.

Be sure to enter soon as places are selling out for this event well in advance!

Gran Fondo Guide Rating: 10 out 10!