It is certainly one of the toughest in Europe and this year will be special because it turns 30. But how was the Gran Fondo born? The story is that of a group of cycling enthusiast friends who often meet together to climb the nearby Dolomites while having fun in company.
Back in 1988, about ten or so people decided to found a new cycling club. In the years to come, the committee decides to forge a new strong alliance with the territory and the partnership with Sportful, the world's leading cycling clothing company, is born, which is why the event changes its name to Gran Fondo Sportful.
In 2009 the Dolomites were recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO and the organizing committee decided to honor them by changing the name to Sportful Dolomiti Race given that 90% of the route passes through the UNESCO site.
Awaiting the granfondo riders on June 15th will be the traditional Gran Fondo of 200km and almost 5,000m of total altitude difference with a new route that will touch the heart of the Belluno Dolomites with breathtaking scenery such as Monte Pelmo which in the Belluno area is called by all "el caregon" of the Eternal Father", the "throne of God" due to its characteristic conformation: two monoliths with a central depression which give it a truly gigantic appearance throne..
Those who choose the Medio Fondo route will face 120 km with a difference in altitude of 2,450 metres. For everyone the arrival will be in the splendid setting of the historic center of Feltre.
