<\/p>\n
The large mass of cyclists attending the 24th edition of Granfondo Internazionale Felice Gimondi – Bianchi<\/strong> in Bergamo <\/strong>just left behind them an impressive event jumping back to the spotlights after two years off with 3500 registered riders<\/strong>, all heeding Felice\u2019s name the first time without him in person. \u201cI experienced a beautiful but even wistful day<\/em> \u2013 the daughter Norma Gimondi <\/strong>explained \u2013 we felt his absence at the very beginning and along the course then. Someone called him out loud, his memory is still alive, definitely\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n The whole event confirmed the GF Gimondi prestige and quality standard, the amazing courses (in spite of long route\u2019s last-minute modification), the participants\u2019 pleasure to ride in safety throughout beautiful landscapes with no rain. \u201cEverything went smoothly<\/em> – the organizer Beppe Manenti<\/strong> said \u2013 we restarted in full swing and feel extremely happy for that\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n The event also upgraded with two new-entries in the list of honour, as the overall winners Manuel Senni<\/strong> (ASD Borrello) and Annalisa Prato<\/strong> (Team Mentecorpo) are both renowned as riders.<\/p>\n Manuel Senni has been a pro rider until 2021 upon retiring for health problems, then he has started to compete in mass events from last January. Behind him, French Loic Ruffaut <\/strong>(the only foreign rider stepping the podium, actually cycling trainer in Switzerland), Andrea Gallo<\/strong> rounded out the top-3. \u201cI knew these routes very well, as I spent some time at Team Colpack when I was amateur<\/em> \u2013 Senni explained -. My career as a pro\u2019 has gone, no way to continue after four times under surgery at the aorta. Now cyclism remains the favourite hobby to share wth my brother, I always love to win\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n Annalisa Prato was already known as serial-winner in other Italian mass events such as Nove Colli<\/strong> and Maratona dles Dolomites<\/strong>, but on the medium course only. This time Annalisa preferred to switch on the long and it worked. The winner gained a 11-minute margin over runner-up Martina Trevisiol<\/strong>, followed by third-placed Maria Elena Palmisano<\/strong>. \u201cI really enjoyed my first time at GF Gimondi<\/em>\u201d, Annalisa argued.<\/p>\n Unprecedented winners came up from the medium route <\/strong>(128,8 km<\/strong>) as well. <\/em>Rossano Mauti<\/strong> (AP 07Team Ciclirossi) outsprinted 2019 winner Federico Brevi<\/strong> and Francesco Avanzo<\/strong>. Alessia Bortoli <\/strong>(Capitani Minuterie) topped the women\u2019s podium aside Valeria Curnis <\/strong>and Chiara Quartesan.<\/strong><\/p>\n Home riders made clean sweep on the short route<\/strong>. Bergamo\u2019s Team Morotti<\/strong> scored a one-two with Fabio Fadini<\/strong> and Marco Maggi<\/strong> while Sicilian Francesco Pizzo <\/strong>took the third place to highlight Obiettivo3<\/strong>, the Italian paralympic icon Alex Zanardi<\/strong>‘s project encouraging disable athletes to take on sports. Laura Isonni<\/strong> (AS Boario) won the women\u2019s race ahead of Milena Felici<\/strong> (golf sport entrepreuner in Rome) and Alessia Ravasi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Never to miss at GF Gimondi, the Eugenio Mercorio Memorial <\/strong>saw Manuel Senni e Annalisa Prato clocking the best timing in the uphill ITT from Nembro<\/strong> to Selvino<\/strong>, the last picture of the perfect day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"