How about a week-end in Normandy? @tri247 http://t.co/GgBJ3DDj
| 09 February 2012
GranFondo USA, producers of the famous mass cycling events, names Vail, Colorado to its 2012 portfolio of popular U.S. destinations.
Star Events USA announces the newest destination to its line-up of 2012 GranFondo events: Vail, Colorado. The inaugural GranFondo Cannondale Vail is set for Sunday, August 19 and is planned in partnership with the town of Vail. The local organizing team will be led by Event Director Chris Laskey.
"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to work with both Star Events and IES on creating GranFondo Cannondale Vail. The town of Vail prides itself on being a World Class destination and GranFondo Cannondale Vail helps to raise our level of excitement as one of the finest destinations for cyclists to challenge themselves here in the US. We are looking forward to hosting the myriad of cycling enthusiasts from around the world as they visit our town and ride our mountain peaks,” shares Vail Mayor Andy Daly.
Unique to all GranFondo events is an authentic Italian-inspired platform honoring its European roots. All Vail participants will enjoy a custom cycling jersey, commemorative medal, well-stocked aid stations, partially controlled intersections with an Italian-style meal and Prosecco to honor the accomplishment.
Characteristic to the region, Vail offers a Euro-style course with short sections of dirt road, marquee elevation gain, KOM and QOM awards and overall, the most challenging GranFondo course of the series. The high elevation course begins at 8,163 feet above sea level before dropping almost 2,000 feet over the first 40 miles. After this initial downhill, riders face a total elevation gain of 4,610 feet. The competitive KOM/QOM climb arrives at mile 85 on what locals call “State Bridge” and climbs 1,330 feet over the next five miles bringing a Cat 2 climb late in the ride.
Thousands are expected to ride in the 120 miles or 50 mile short course including 1997 Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich who is confirmed to participate. “I’m pleased to hear GranFondo Cannondale Vail has been added to the 2012 series. The mountainous course is a perfect challenge and I’m eager to enjoy the ride alongside other avid GranFondo fans,” says Ullrich.
To learn more about GranFondo Cannondale Vail and to register, please visit the event website: www.granfondousa.com. Hotel discounts, event schedule and additional details to follow.
The GranFondo World label is owned by Star Production SARL, a Monaco based company specializing in organizing high quality sports events that are focused on fun, social responsibility and environmental protection. GranFondo World presents authentic Italian-inspired pure cycling events in San Diego, LA – Beverly Hills, Philadelphia, Vail, Reno and Miami.
