Bad weather characterized the 20-year granfondo. Rain and cold weather for the 278 cyclists who decided to brave the rigors of the weather.
Aprica (So) – Bad weather only partially spoiled the 20th anniversary celebration of the Granfondo Gavia & Mortirolo. Race characterized by rain and cold since the early hours of dawn, so much so that most of the 1,200 registered participants who picked up the race packet with the jersey celebrating the 20th anniversary decided not to start.
“I want to thank all those who reached Aprica to participate in the event highlights Vittorio Mevio patron of Gs Alpi – but especially the 278 cyclists at the start who braved the rigors of the weather to climb the Mortirolo, since on Friday after receiving the latest indications from Arpa Lombardia we had decided to resort to the alternative route excluding the Passo Gavia. Special thanks go to the Edolo Fire Brigade who intervened along the Mortirolo to remove some fallen logs during the night. Without their help we would certainly have had to make drastic decisions.
I would like to thank the twelve Highway Police motorcyclists and the staff on duty in the two cars, the eighteen motorcycle escorts and the 118 volunteers who armored the race course. And this is a source of pride because it was recognized by all participants. We know how difficult it is to ride in the rain, but also how difficult it is to manage the safety of the cyclists in the race. It was a race 20th edition of the Granfondo with two faces. On Saturday a warm sunshine illuminated the children’s race it was beautiful to see the happiness expressed in their eyes and smiles. The final awards ceremony in Piazza Sei Contrade with the presentation of wooden finisher’s medals and other gadgets, present was the Aprica municipality’s sports councillor Alessandro Damiani, then the 20th anniversary celebrations. Today the rain.”
Results
As for the queen trial, the Granfondo, whose modified route tackled the double climb to Passo Mortirolo, from Monno and Mazzo di Valtellina, success was won by this season’s overall ruler, Manuel Senni (Team Crainox) ahead of Federico Nicolini (Team Sildom Garda) and Giovanni Loiscio (Autoricambi Marrone). Among women, Federica Spessot (C- Bike Team) won ahead of Simona Etossi (Team Duebi) and Paola Oberto (GS Passatore).
In the medium course victory went to Francesco Figini (Team Da Tor Isb) ahead of Alberto Merli (Pedale Godiaschese) and Davide Pantano (Zerotest). Women’s success went to Sabina Monaco (GS Passatore) ahead of Letizia Nepomuceno (Pink Wave) and Nadia Busso (Gs Passatore).
Team Da Tor Isb dominance in the short course with the success of Andrea Mariani who preceded teammates Riccardo Zacchi and Aldo Barone. Luisa Isonni (Boario) won among women preceding Mara Oprandi (Team Sildom Garda) and Asia Balocco (Gs Passatore).
At the end of the event the Pizzoccherata, pizzoccheri produced by Astel di Teglio, and the final prize giving that allowed the recovery of energy for those who also challenged the weather.
Unfortunately, “Up there… Where Eagles Dare” sometimes the weather is not kind to cyclists.