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Roulston ready to make Tour de France claim May 23rd, 12. For Hayden Roulston the five day Bayern-Rundfahrt is his chance to press his ... read more |
Henderson targets Tour of Belgium May 23rd, 12. Kiwi pro Greg Henderson is ready for action in the Tour of ... read more |
Where in the world is ... Matt Marshall in 2012 May 23rd, 12. While most Kiwi Internationals choose to test themselves on the roads of Europe, ... read more |
Are you up for an Italian challenge? |
 Sep 14th, 09. Italian pasta, Italian wine and Italian countryside - all you have to do to earn this Italian experience is ride over 200km of Italian hills.
Amazing Italian scenery during the Gran Fondo
And you thought the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge was tough?? 
11,000 cyclists ready to start the 200km or 130km course
A well deserved post-race feed
On the 20th of May 1971, 17 riders started the "1° Audax Brevetto Appenninico di Km 200". Their route - 200km of superb scenery and hills around the Adriatic Coast of Italy. Little did they know this was the first step for what is known today as the Gran Fondo Nove Colli, simply one of the greatest bike races worldwide. Held in May each year the event attracts riders of all abilities. Although it is said to have launched Marco Pantani's cycling career, many of those who ride every year do so simply for the scenery and the fantastic post ride celebrations. In case you do have delusions of grandeur, last year's winner Fabio Sacchi finished the course in 5h48s with an average speed 34.4km/h. "A great competition, fantastic crowd, absolutely nothing to envy to the Giro d'Italia," he said in a statement echoed by riders of all levels. Starting and finishing in Cesenatico, 11,000 passionate riders cross 200km (9 hills) or 130km (4 hills) of the Apennine foothills. Such is the popularity of the event, Sky Sports Italy televise it live! Following the ride participants are rewarded with entry into an enormous pasta party, giving the opportunity to refuel (and then refuel again!) with the best of the local produce. For cycling enthusiasts the Gran Fondo Nove Colli represents all that is special about cycling, in particular all that is special about cycling in Italy. Ride the Gran Fondo Nove Colli in 2010Adventure Travel are looking for 10 New Zealand weekend warriors to be part of the 2010 Nove Colli experience. Brochure on this Italian cycling tour ... 
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