Giro d’Italia organiser RCS Sport has launched what it plans to be a series of events around the world to promote the race globally, with Gran Fondo events in the USA getting things underway.
RCS Sport has confirmed that it will hold two Granfondo Giro d’Italia events this year, the first in Los Angeles-Pasadena on July 22 and the second on November 11th in Miami-Coral Gables.
It states that it expects thousands of riders to take part in each.
“These events mark the start of a long-term international project that will see RCS Sport increase its presence in a series of countries with the goal of promoting the Giro d’Italia to cycling fans around the world,” stated RCS Sport in a release.
“Each event will last two days with special events and an Expo. The Granfondo Giro d’Italia events will help promote all that is special about Italian culture and lifestyle, with support from the Italian Trade Commision and the Italian consolates in Los Angeles and Miami.”
Entries for both events open tomorrow on the website www.gfgiro.com A full portal will be available to view from the final day of the Giro onwards, May 27th.
RCS Sport adds that next year a stage of the Giro will become a Granfondo, this riding of the race route highlighting the Granfondo Giro d’Italia series.
Granfondo events are growing globally, with events such as Etape du Tour and La Marmotte being a huge success in France, and the UCI launcing a World Cycling Tour series which has its own world championships.