Granfondo Gimondi returns to Bergamo on May 8th

The Granfondo Gimondi-Bianchi is ready to come back after a 2-year hiatus, in the name of sustainability and safety. From this year, the event will be open to any kind of bike, and it will be possible to rent a road bike directly at the start line. More than 3000 participants expected in Bergamo

The 24th edition of the Granfondo Internazionale Felice Gimondi – Bianchi, the first one without the late beloved champion on the starting line, was presented on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022. At the traditional location of the headquarters of Banco BPM in Bergamo, the event organizers disclosed the main contents of the edition taking place on Sunday May 8^th, 2022, in a press conference attended by regional and provincial authorities and media.

Among the speakers were the Bergamo Municipality’s Sports Assessor Loredana Poli, Bergamo’s Banco BPM Director Roberto Perico, Bergamo Province’s Sports Assessor Giorgia Gandossi, Bergamo’s Police Commissioner Stanislao Schimera, Lombardy Region’s Tourism Assessor Lara Magoni, Bianchi Marketing and Communication Manager, Claudio Masnata, and the vice-president of Federazione Ciclistica Italiana, Norma Gimondi, the daughter of the unforgettable Felice.

The 2022 edition expects more than 3,000 riders from several different Countries, which would bring the total number of registered riders to over 90,000 since the first time in 1996. Besides marking the return of the Granfondo Gimondi in the international granfondo calendar, the event of May 8th acquires even more significant after the pandemic struck hard on the city of Bergamo. The Granfondo Gimondi will become a moment of rebirth for a city whose passion for cycling is well documented, and eager to pay tribute to Felice Gimondi, who will be missing at the start for the first time, having passed away in August 2019.

Presentazione GF Gimondi 2022

A BIKE FEST IN THE NAME OF INCLUSION AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

After a two-year stop caused by the pandemic, the G.M.S. organizers have worked to introduce several new themes to the event.

For the first time, the Granfondo Gimondi-Bianchi will be open to every kind of bike, from vintage all the way to e-Bikes. Riders from this category will start from a dedicated grid and will set off a few minutes after the rest, riding on the 89,4 km course only.

From this edition, it will also be possible to rent a road bike for the race and collect it directly at the start. Through the new ListNRide service, it is possible to choose from a range of different racing bike models and sizes, significantly helping the logistics of those coming from afar.

Those flying to Bergamo can also treat themselves to riding directly from the airport all the way to the Granfondo start: Bergamo Orio al Serio is in fact the first bike-friendly hub in Europe and thanks to the completion of the cycle-pedestrian ring created by managing company SACBO spa, it is possible to reach the start in Via Marzabotto in less than 5 km by bike.

Lining up in Bergamo will be also a group of athletes from “Obiettivo3“, the project conceived by the Paralympic champion and sports icon Alex Zanardi to promote and support disabled athletes in engaging sports activities.

Presentazione GF Gimondi 2022

A GREAT STORY RESUMES

While bringing a wealth of novelties, organizer Giuseppe Manenti was careful in preserving all those characteristics that made Granfondo Gimondi so popular among amateurs, including many regulars.

It starts with the classic courses: short, 89,4 km, medium, 128,8 km and long, 162,2 km, all of those personally charted by Felice Gimondi himself.

In 2022, the Granfondo Gimondi will be a stage valid for five Granfondo series: Alé Challenge, Brevetto dei Campionissimi, Grand Prix Maglia Nera, Circuito del Prestigio and Zero Wind Show.

The “Cronoscalata Eugenio Mercorio” will also be held on the Selvino climb, rewarding the fastest riders on the climb that symbolizes Bergamo cycling: 10.4 km with 621 metres of elevation gain (average gradient 5.1%, maximum 10%).

Moreover, the tradition of the official jersey realized by Santini Cycling Wear continues by adding another precious heirloom: the black and white uniform of U.S. Sedrinese, Felice’s first historical cycling team.

The trophy and the finisher’s medals have been crafted by Maestro Antonino Rando, a renowned sculptor and goldsmith from Bergamo, with the aim of portraying not only a feat but the whole career of Felice Gimondi. The sun in the centre represents the light and purity spread by the champion from Bergamo.

The attention of the granfondo event for the art will be visible as well during the race weekend, thanks to 15 installations dedicated to as many feats of Gimondi’s career, already showcased at Bergamo’s presentation.

As in 2019, the event’s commitment to reducing plastic use and the creation of EcoZone refreshment areas will also continue. In addition, around 300 additional people dedicated to road safety will be deployed on the course, for a safe and environmental-friendly event.

Presentazione GF Gimondi 2022

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS: THE GRANFONDO GIMONDI PARTNERS

The partnership with title sponsor Bianchi, that together with Felice Gimondi wrote pages of Italian and international cycling, has been confirmed again for 2022. Supporting the event from long time are also official sponsor Banco BPM and media partner L’Eco di Bergamo, both on board since the opening act in 1996, as well as official supporters Santini Cycling Wear and Sitip. Other long-standing travel partners are Hotel Cappello d’Oro Best Western (official hotel), Volkswagen Bonaldi Motori (official cars), Bianchi Industry and Vittoria, both official supporters.

Among the relationships developed in more recent years are those with official partners GLS Corriere Espresso and Zurich Insurances, official supporter Iper, as well as suppliers Nuncas, Safety and Uniacque Servizio Idrico Integrato. New entries for this 24th edition are official partner Estra, official wine partner Villa Franciacorta and official supporters Ethic Sport, FSA Vision, KASK KCO, Sportland and TAB.