It is certainly one of the toughest in Europe!
But how did the Gran Fondo come about? The story is of a group of friends passionate about cycling who often get together to climb the nearby Dolomites while having fun in each other's company. There are about ten or so of them back in 1988 who decide to found a new cycling club.
In the following years, the committee decides to forge a strong new alliance with the territory and the partnership with Sportful is born, the world leader in cycling apparel, leading to the event being renamed Gran Fondo Sportful.
In 2009, the Dolomites were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the organizing committee decided to pay tribute by changing the name to Sportful Dolomiti Race since 90% of the route passes through the UNESCO site.
Awaiting the Gran Fondo participants on June 21st will be the traditional Gran Fondo of 200km and almost 5,000m of total elevation gain with a new route that will touch the heart of the Belluno Dolomites with breathtaking scenery like Mount Pelmo, which is referred to as “el caregon del Padreterno,” the “throne of God” for its characteristic shape: two monoliths with a central depression that give it the appearance of a gigantic throne..
Those who choose the Medio Fondo route will face 120 km with 2,450m of elevation gain.
For everyone, the finish will be in the beautiful setting of the historic center of Feltre.
