1ST Annual Granfondo Colnago San Diego

The First Annual Granfondo Colnago San Diego brought more than 1.100 cyclists together with cycling industry patriarch Ernesto Colnago to celebrate the heritage of cycling as part of Italian culture in the United States.

"We were committed to supporting the first edition of this event from the very beginning” declared Mr. Colnago, founder of the world renowned Colnago Bike Company of Cambiago, Italy. “We believe granfondos are the ideal vehicle to promote the passion and performance of our brand in America, and this event in San Diego exceeded all of our expectations.”

Granfondo Colnago San Diego gave local bicycle enthusiasts a glimpse into what the world-famous cycling events are like in Italy. From the stunning Ferrari automobiles that surprised participants as the start of the ride, to spirited competition to win the “King of the Mountain” award, to a unique pass through the US Olympic Training Center’s private criterium course, to a lavish finish line lunch hosted by Little Italy’s own Busalacchi’s Restaurant, the event delivered a remarkable Italian cycling experience that is already slated to grow in future years.

Granfondo Colnago San Diego was generously supported by a host of sponsors including Accelerade; the Expobici bike expo of Padua, Italy; Ride Strong Bike Tours; CEP compression apparel; Salonpas; Campagnolo; Speedplay pedals and Road Bike Action magazine. The charity beneficiary of the event was the American Melanoma Foundation.

The organizer of the event, San Diego-based Granfondo USA, LLC, plans to roll out similar Italian-themed rides in other major American cities in the near future.