Posts Tagged ‘Monte Grappa’
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Monday, November 7th, 2011
If you’ve just heard about Velo Veneto thanks to Jered Gruber’s fantastic article on Pez, benvenuti! I love Jered’s fantastic eye behind the camera, and he’s a great writer, so I’ll forgive him the slightly embarrassing unzipped jersey mock-sprint picture. It’ll come back to bite him sooner rather than later! 
Anyway, he writes with admiration for the Monte Grappa, and well he should. It’s a fantastic climb with a very memorable, important, and even mythic reputation for the locals. He is also right in saying that you can’t get a good feeling for the Monte Grappa, let alone the Veneto, in just a quick trip to ride la Pinarello – you have to stay and soak it in. So, if you’re up for some good food and wine, great riding, and fantastic scenery, culture, and history, why not join us in 2012!?
For Grand Tour watchers, we have a Giro d’Italia trip in May. June and August is available for custom tours, and July camp is open as usual. The week following la Pinarello, we’ll head up for a few nights into the Dolomites for some fantastic climbing and a bit of spa relaxation in the afternoons.
So, join our mailing list by filling out the form to the right, browse around the site to learn more about us, or if you’re ready, go ahead and reserve your spot now!
Giro TT and Feltre Start
Thursday, May 26th, 2011
We weren’t done after our big day in the Dolomites, and went back for more Giro action after the rest day. Riding to the TT included the Passo San Baldo (see pez pic), descending the other side, and then climbing up the TT course itself. Thanks to Ashley and Jered Gruber, we were also invited to join the Castelli party at 1km to go, which included a little bit of Paolo Bettini working the grill!
The next morning we went to Feltre to see the stage start, spoke briefly with Team Sky’s Michael Barry, and then hopped on our own bikes and climbed the Monte Grappa from Seren. That capped a few big days on the bike, including 4 Giro d’Italia stages, so we treated ourselves to a fantastic dinner and gelato in Asolo.
But we’re not done yet! More local rides, and then the Colle della Finestre and the final TT in Milan await!
la Pinarello Registration
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Many of you are joining us (again and again, in some cases) for la Pinarello on July 17th. If you weren’t with us last year, there is a new course and start system, among other changes. The Gran Fondo now starts in central Treviso at the Piazza dei Signori and heads north taking in the Montello and Mostaccin before the route splits. For the truly hardy, the Gran Fondo route heads up the 20% ramps of the Salto della Capra, before descending the north face of Monte Grappa and eventually rejoining the Medio Fondo route as it heads into Valdobbiadene. For us “normal” folks, the Medio Fondo route (recommended, given our foray into the Dolomites the following days) turns east and winds its way up the vineyard hills before a return to Treviso (with a last taste of the Montello for good measure).
Another important change since last year is the limitation on foreign entries. Only 500 foreign riders will be permitted in la Pinarello this year, and this will surely fill up. So to make sure everyone gets the entry they want, please register yourself ASAP. You can visit the la Pinarello site to register on-line, and we will credit your account with $75 as an entry-fee reimbursement.
If you are interested in riding la Pinarello, or another Gran Fondo in Italy, please read our page on Gran Fondos to learn more. Of course, if you’re ready to go, reserve your place now!
2011 la Pinarello Cycling Marathon
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
…aka the Pinarello Gran Fondo. Many of you have been in past years, and done the old course, but as of last year the route has changed. If you were with us in 2010, you saw the new medio fondo route, but for you gluttons for punishment, there is a Gran Fondo route as well. Rather than describe it in detail, I’ll give you these videos from Andrea Pinarello himself riding the course. Beautiful, beautiful scenery. I can’t wait to get back!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Changes to the Pinarello Gran Fondo
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Now known as la Pinarello, the Pinarello Gran Fondo is truly one of the great events of Italian cycling. Any changes are sure to be noticed, and after a forced abort of the new route last year, 2011 will see the new route up the Salto della Capra in force again. A close look at the registration information also notes a limit of only 500 foreign riders to the event. Knowing that this is one of the most popular events for stranieri, this foreign rider field limit is definitely of concern.
In past years, Velo Veneto riders have always had their registration in the Gran Fondo included. For this year, until we have guarantees from the organization that all of our riders will be included, we are encouraging everyone to register themselves. Because costs already include this fee, all Velo Venetians who send in the receipt from la Pinarello will receive a $75 discount on their 2011 fee.
Registering for la Pinarello
Pinarello are no dummies, and registration is fairly easy and available in English. Visiting the Pinarello Gran Fondo website, click on Booking in the menu bar. On the Booking page, click on the large, yellow “On-line Registration” button.
The registration form is fairly self-explanatory, just fill out all of the required boxes (noted with an asterisk). If you plan on racing in Italy and will therefore have a Velo Veneto UDACE license, or if you are a member of Velo Veneto’s USA Cycling club, add “GS Velo Veneto” in the “Club” box. You should also choose the “commemorative t-shirt” button and select your size.
Your total registration fee will be €52 ($72 as of Feb. 1, 2011), which you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. In just a few minutes, you will receive an email confirmation from XEvents (the organizer). Forward this on to us at info@velovento.com and we will credit your account with a $75 discount.
The Day of la Pinarello
The new route also includes a new start system of rolling start times, rather than the previous “everyone at once” style. We will still arrive quite early to help avoid most of the heat of the day and allow everyone to ride at their own pace. This means a 5:30-6:00 am departure from Castelcucco!
After your rather memorable ride, Pinarello provide a great pasta lunch, and as we discovered last year, you never know who might show up with a birthday cake and/or grappa all around! Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to Castelcucco to clean up and head out for a special dinner to celebrate this great day!
If you’re ready to join us, go ahead and register now!