Ride 100 Miles in San Diego! March 7, 2010 - Little Italy in San Diego, CA

The history of cycling is often told through stories of its greatest climbers battling on the slopes of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites. What cycling fan hasn’t been captivated by the tales of Coppi vs. Bartali, Hinault vs. Lemond or Armstrong vs. Contador?

The reputations of Europe’s most famous amateur events — the cyclosportives and granfondos — have also been built upon their climbs. The Nove Colli is named for its nine hills; La Marmotte finishes on the summit of Alpe d’Huez after climbing the Glandon, Telegraphe and Galibier; and the Maratona dles Dolomites doles out over 13,000’ of vertical including the 29 hairpins of the Passo Giau.

Continuing the tradition in the USA are the Gran Fondos Colnago. A signature feature of each of our events is a challenging timed climb that will determine the Kings – and Queens — of the Mountain.

The Gran Fondo Colnago Philadelphia Climb
The KOM and QOM in the Gran Fondo Colnago Philadelphia will be contested on Valley Forge Mountain — located at approximately mile 31.5 to 32.5 on the medium and long routes.  Although just over 1 mile in length,  the grade varies between 9% to 11% with the steepest portion near the summit.   Your total vertical is 367 feet. 

Those who ride the 102-mile “Gran Fondo” and 57-mile “Medio Fondo” routes will automatically compete for prizes in one of the following categories:

Note: In order for a rider to be eligible for a KOM or QOM prize, a rider must start and finish the event within the prescribed times and ride the entire course.  Judges scoring is final.