lapinarello

lapinarello cycling marathon: plenty of innovation and even more fun!

On the 18th July, 2010 the Granfondo Pinarello e della Marca Trevigiana will become lapinarello cycling marathon.
Not only is there a name change after 13 seasons, but a series of important and strategic changes which will be part of the First Edition of lapinarello.

But why change something that functions so well? This was a question which many friends and fans asked when we announced this small revolution. Our response was why should we remain the same when you can improve?

The entire programme is filled with innovations, the primary being the shortened and simpler name. The reason behind this is based on the fact that for those who live in the world of Granfondo, understand on the fly when someone speaks of the Maratona, 9 Colli or on that note, the Pinarello. Along with this new name comes a new logo for the manifestation: modern and simple which is the style lapinarello aims to capture.

Other important innovations, beginning at the starting line which has been completely modified: departing now from the Eastern end of the Trevigiana Province, taking riders up Passo San Boldo and Nevegal, then moving west of the province heading towards Monte Grappa, which in 2010 will stage the arrival of the 14th Stage of the Giro d’Italia.
The race shall depart from Treviso heading north towards Volpago, shortly arriving at Montello and Presa X. From here, riders descend towards Crocetta del Montello, Cornuda and Maser where they will attempt to defy Forcella Mostaccin, an important and challenging climb loved by local cyclists.
Then to the highlight of lapinarello, the climb up Monte Grappa, departing from the direction of Fietta, best known as the “Salto della Capra” (Jump of the Goat). This route is approximately 24 km in distance, starting from nearby Possagno (270 m a.s.l.) and finishing at the peak of Grappa (Cima Grappa – 1740 m a.s.l.) , where the Ossario Militare (Military Monument) is located.
Half way up Grappa’s climb, the road steepens, with 3 km exceeding an average gradient of 20%, coupled by a panorama which will leave you breathless. The climb is one which needs to be tackled with prudence and intelligence, in order to avoid being left ‘hung out to dry’ in the final kilometres towards the Ossario.
The ride then continues, bordering the Provinces of Vicenza and Belluno, descending the Northern side of Grappa into Feltre. From here riders head south towards Treviso passing Valdobbiadene and taking on the climb of Combai , tamed by pro-riders during the Giro d’Italia in 2009 and famous for traversing the mountainous vineyards where Prosecco is produced.
Before coming to a close in the heart of the Trevigiana city, riders arrive at Montello once again, but this time from an easier entry point.

Curiosity has arisen in regards to the choice to replace the classic “one group” departure with the staggered or ‘aliquot’ departure known as “the Francese”, a common solution adopted by many overseas Granfondo races but not so often in Italy. An important and strategic change which we have wanted to introduce for some seasons now.
As always, the security of our cyclists is a fundamental topic for the organizing committee. Race conditions have become excessively dangerous in the past few years, above all, the frenzy, excessive competitiveness and the lack of experience of many participants.
Participating in a Granfondo should be a way to measure one’s self, in respect of the adverse and difficulty of the race ahead of them. The “aliquot” departure does not remove a rider’s choice to race with force and vigour, challenging hard climbs, the heat and the 200 kilometres of this challenge; though with this small technical adjustment, we allow each and every rider to enjoy the race as they did before, applying themselves in respect of their own limits and their companions on the road.
And that’s not all: adopting this new mode of departure finally leads us to our final important objective, to start lapinarello in the heart of Treviso - the Piazza dei Signori. This solution renders the suggestive and fascination of this evocative race. It allows participants to live firsthand the beauty of an historic and charming piazza, such as this one.

The 2010 edition of lapinarello will indeed be unique with its numerous innovations. But one part which shall bear no change will be the warm acceptance which we reserve for the thousands of cycling friends and their companions who take part on this unforgettable lapinarello cycling marathon.

We await your arrival!