Valdobbiadene, ITA – Today Colnago Bicycles, the leading manufacturer of high-end Italian bicycles, announced the expansion of its partnership with San Diego, CA-based Gran Fondo USA LLC, producers of America’s first gran fondo series.
Gran fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that have become immensely popular in Italy. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and thousands of riders of all abilities participate.
“We have decided to expand and extend our total support of the events organized by Gran Fondo USA because of their understanding of the US cycling market and their commitment to quality,” said Ernesto Colnago, the company’s founder. “The flair, spirit and quality of their events capture the essence of our brand.”
Colnago’s 3-year deal calls for its continued sponsorship of Gran Fondo San Diego on March 7, 2010; the inaugural Gran Fondo Philadelphia to be held on August 8; and events in other cities, which will be named in the coming months.
Participation in all of these events is part of Colnago’s development plan for the United States, where it recently opened it subsidiary Colnago America.
“‘Gran Fondo’ means ‘Big Ride’ in Italian”, said series co-founder Matteo Gerevini, “and these events combine fun and challenging bike routes with a passion for cycling that is uniquely Italian. We’re proud to welcome Colnago to our project – America’s very first gran fondo series — because it’s Italy’s most prestigious cycling brand.”
In 2009 the first Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego attracted more than 1,200 cyclists and is scheduled to return to San Diego for its second edition on March 7, 2010.
