Italian Cyclist Claudio Chiappucci Hosts Inaugural “Gran Fondo Italia” Cycling Event In Roswell
Ferrari Gran Fondo Italia escortATLANTA -October 20, 2014 -The City of Roswell, Georgia in partnership with the Southern Bicycle League, played host to the 2014 Gran Fondo Italia international cycling event October 19, 2014. The inaugural international cycling series kicked off with 1,000 riders including Italian cycling legend Claudio Chiappucci and Roswell Mayor Jere Wood and 80 year-old Senior Olympics cycling champion Harvey Liberman. A police escort by Georgia Highway patrol led the participants for the first 12 miles, with two Ferrari lead cars. The ride, modeled after the incredibly popular Gran Fondo cycling event format that originated in Italy, featured some of the most challenging road cycling destinations in the Southeast, including 34 miles, 63 miles and a 106 mile long course option with a Gran Premio della Montagna climb challenge to the finish.
On both Saturday and Sunday, thousands of guests and spectators enjoyed the Gran Fondo Italia Expo featuring on-site product demos and presentations from sponsors Colnago, fi‘zi:k, KASK, Gaerne, FSA and Pissei. The photo exhibition by Roberto Bettini titled, “Passione e Ciclismo – History of Italian Cycling” was also unveiled during the Expo, including the first original Pink Jersey of the Giro d’italia from 1931, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for american cycling enthusiasts.
A post-event celebration took place at Roswell City Hall including the famed Festa della Pasta with wine tastings provided by Tuscany‘s Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona. The spirit and passion of Italy, iconic Italian brands and products, and incredible famous photos are all part of the experience with Gran Fondo Italia events.
A VIP reception was hosted the night before the ride at EcoManor, the home of Laura and Rutherford Seydel, the first eco-friendly LEED certified home in Atlanta. During the event, Matteo Gerevini; Ceo of Gran Fondo Italia, presented special guest Angela Della Costanza Turner, Honorary Consul General of Italy, with a Colnago bike.
“This is one of the most exciting Italian events to ever occur in the Southeastern United States. Cycling is the greatest historical sport in Italy, subsequently positioning our country as a global leader and pioneer in the technological and mechanical aspects of this field,” says Angela Della Costanza Turner, Honorary Consul General of Italy. “The goal of this event is bring all qualities of our Italian culture together, from food to technology. It is one of the most comprehensive events ever conceived and I am honored to support it.”
Gran Fondo Italia Roswell awards ceremonyThe Gran Fondo Italia Roswell awards ceremony was hosted by cycling legend Claudio Chiappucci and Matteo Gerevini, founder, Gran Fondo Italia. The Gran Premio della Montagna prizes were presented to Brian Toone of Birmingham, Alabama and Paula Burks of Atlanta, Georgia. The lucky winner of the Colnago C60 bike, offered as a prize by the famous Milanese manufacturer of bicycles exported all over the world was Linette Colon, a producer for CNN Espanol in Atlanta, Georgia.
“The Gran Fondo Italia Roswell was a huge success for our organization and for the City of Roswell,” says Matteo Gerevini, CEO, Gran Fondo Italia. “We‘re proud to bring a unique Italian experience to the Southeast through food, wine, tourism and culture while promoting the city as a top cycling destination.”
With support from the Italian Consulate General in Atlanta, the Southern Bicycle League and the City of Roswell, Georgia planning for the 2015 Gran Fondo Italia Roswell ride is underway. About Gran Fondo Italia
Gran Fondo Italia is the cycling event format that joins recreational cycling and the Italian lifestyle. The format promoted by Gran Fondo Italia CEO Matteo Gerevini and the Managing Director Greg Hendrickson since 2009 is now perfectly branded to showcase Made in Italy cycling, the excellence of Italian food, wine and tourism, and Gran Fondo event partnerships in Italy. The Gran Fondo Italia calendar includes four dates in 2014: Aspen-Snowmass (Colorado) the 10th of August, Beverly Hills (California) the 28th of September, Atlanta-Roswell (Georgia) the 19th of October, Miami-Coral Gables (Florida) the 9th of November and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) the 16th of November.
For more information, please visit: www.thegranfondoitalia.com.