The 2012 Giro d’Italia wrapped up with Canadiana Ryder Hesjedal taking home the pink jersey, but North American cyclists can participate in a Giro of their own this year.
RCS Sport, owner of the Giro, is hosting two American Gran Fondos in 2012: one in Los Angeles on July 22, and another in Miami on November 11.
Both Giro d’Italia Gran Fondos will features multiple distance options for the mass-start rides, gourmet Italian food, made-in-Italy jerseys and healthy servings of the Giro’s trademark pink.
“The Giro d'Italia has always represented an exceptional vehicle to promote Italy; it is loved and followed by millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Michele Acquarone, RCS Sport’s general director. “For this reason, we decided to launch the Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia, bringing the atmosphere of the Italian cycling around the world.”
Acquarone said RCS Sport plans to expand to more cities in coming years.
Italian cycling legend Francesco Moser will be on hand for the festivities in Los Angeles. Champion of the 1984 Giro d’Italia, Moser was an early adopter of many aerodynamic technologies, including the bullhorn handlebar for time trials and the lenticular disc wheel, which he used to beat Eddy Merckx’s world hour record in 1984 with a distance of 51.151km). Moser’s incredible tally of 273 career wins includes a world road championship title, and three consecutive Paris-Roubaix victories. Today Moser runs a winery in Trentino, Cantine Moser, which has a few varietals including a Spumante branded “51,151” and, of course, a pink label.
Cyclists at the LA Gran Fondo will have a chance to meet the legendary Francesco Moser
This year, both Gran Fondos will feature two-day expos, with many Italian cycling brands represented.
The LA Gran Fondo will have three ride options:
-25 miles with 2,358 feet of climbing
-67 miles with 8,707 feet of climbing
-93 miles with 12,552 feet of climbing
All three will start and finish in Pasadena.
Stay tuned to BikeRadar for more information about the Giro d’Italia Gran Fondos.
