The Granfondo MILAN – SAN REMO cicloturistica covers the same route as that followed by the great champions in the Spring Classic.
This is the longest amateur cycling event in the world, with a distance of about 296 kms from the outskirts of Milan, crossing the Lombardy and Piedmont Plains, proceeding to the ascent of the Turchino and arriving finally at the Ligurian Riviera. From Genoa the route follows the coast of the Ligurian sea right to the finish line, which can only be conquered by venturing up the legendary climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio of San Remo.
The whole race was timed and around 1000 riders participated to this race which occurred on Sunday 11th June
Results
The GFG team was composed of four riders : Andrea Baldi, Luca Forgione, Nicola Pozza and Vincent Ollivier
GFG team started the race within the last peleton with riders whose start numbers were between 750 and 1000
The first 120 kilometers, until the first refreshment, were pretty flat which allows an average speed of around 40 km/h. GFG team tried to stay within the peloton, doing the least effort as possible, avoiding the wind and taking advantage of the peleton “inertia”.
This day was particularly hot with temperatures above 35 degres. Hence the first refreshment was welcome for all GFG riders!
After the first refreshment, the toughest part of the race started with the climb of the Turchino and the sequences of small (but tough) climbs called “Capo”
Andrea Baldi and Luca Forgione ended the race before the barrier of the 200 kms with the statisfaction of having given everything. Due to the fact that their training for this race have been shortened, this performance is remarkable.
From its side, Nicola Pozza climbed few more “Capo” but exhausted by the heat he deciced to stop the race after 230 kms. At this time one-third of the participants had already gave up the race.
Vincent Ollivier had the chance to see the mythics climbs of the Cipressa and the Poggio and to finish the race in 9 hours (average speed around 32 km/h)
All the GFG Team is very pround of what they achieved together. For sure this experience will stay in their memory for a while!
