Tomorrow in 2000 from all over the world to Bergamo for the BGY Airport Granfondo

The participants, coming from five continents and 36 countries, met at the Santini Cycling headquarters for an eve dedicated to collecting race packs, meetings with sponsors and events.

Cycling is not just a sport: it’s a desire to discover places and traditions, to be together, to learn something about oneself and others. For this reason, a top-level granfondo cannot be limited to the day of the race, but must transform into a 360° experience that involves the participants even when they are not on their bikes.

This is the idea embraced by the BGY Airport Granfondo, the international cycling event that tomorrow in Bergamo will see over 2000 amateurs from five continents at the start. Among the participants will be the Argentinian Sebastian Gallie, the Australians Stephen Vincent, James and Sarah Coll, as well as the Ghanaian Collins Oppong, although the best-represented foreign nation will be Switzerland, with 31 registered participants, followed by Germany (25) and France (10).

Coming from the province of Brescia will also be the 13 wonderful athletes of the ParkinsonMove group, for their first participation in the event organized by G.M.S. of Giuseppe Manenti and his tireless collaborators. This association, founded in November 2023, promotes physical activity not only among its 170 members, but with its presence intends to raise public awareness of the importance of motor activity in order to slow down the progression of this neurodegenerative disease.

Like last year, the event kicked off today at the Santini Cycling headquarters, where registered participants were able to collect their race packs, visit the stands of the sponsors who make the event possible, and take part in several initiatives. These included a focus on proper nutrition in line with the various initiatives promoted by the Lombardy Region on the theme of Food and Health and Sport and Health, health promotion in Lombardy, the presentation of Giacomo Pellizzari‘s book “Itinerario felice”, Federico Biffignandi’s book “Gregario” dedicated to the career of Alessandro Vanotti, and listening to some wonderful sports stories narrated by journalist Paolo Marabini and videomaker Walter Ceruti.

A different kind of eve at the Expo Village, which, judging by the smiles of the cycling enthusiasts and the participation in the meetings, was enjoyed by those who tomorrow morning, starting from 7:00 AM, will participate in the BGY Airport Granfondo, this year dedicated to the memory of Pope Francis.

THE THREE ROUTES AND THE EUGENIO MERCORIO TIME TRIAL

While the eve was enriched with important news, tomorrow’s event will be based on the certainties guaranteed by the three well-established routes, suitable for every type of cyclist and different levels of preparation: ranging from the ‘short’ route of 89.4 km (1,400 m of elevation gain), passing through the ‘medium’ route of 128.8 km (2,100 m of elevation gain), up to the ‘long’ route of 162.1 km (3,050 m of elevation gain). Three loops capable of embracing the beauties of the Bergamo province, crossing six valleys (Val Cavallina, Valserina, Val Brembana, Val Taleggio, Valle Imagna) and as many as 37 municipalities.

The route is common up to km 71, near Ambria: after cresting the legendary ascent of Selvino (which will award the Eugenio Mercorio prize to the fastest climber), the short route deviates to return to the finish line, while the medium and long routes continue towards Costa d’Olida and Forcella di Bura. After completing the descent to Brembilla (km 111), the ‘medium’ route turns towards the finish, while those who opt for the longer distance will reach Forcella di Berbenno and Costa Valle Imagna before starting the descent towards Bergamo and the finish line.

The total ascent kilometers are about 23 for the shortest route, 33 for the medium route, and almost 49 for the long route. There are six refreshment points, plus the final pasta party, included in the registration fee.

For the GIM category, which allows any type of bicycle – muscular and electric, road, gravel, and MTB – to participate in the Granfondo BGY, a dedicated starting grid will be available, and only the short distance will be offered.

Schedule: Sunday, 4^th May 2025