After a long wait, the UCI has finally announced the courses for the official World Cup Gran Fondo in Trento, from September 15-18, 2022. Sprinters better stay at home this year, because in the gran fondo no less than 4000 meters of elevation have to be contested. The medio fondo is also not easy with 2200 meters of climbing.
The riders start with more or less flat stretch south, before climbing Monte Bondone from Aldeno. This is a very steep, irregular 22km climb, with different kilometers averaging 10%. The average percentage of 6.4% is skewed quite a bit because it also includes easier parts. Next, the Monte Bondone is also climbed from the north side. This climb (approx. 19 km, 7.,5% average) is slightly easier than the south side, but is still anything but easy. To get back to Trento, the peloton has to climb the Bondone another half time.
In total 145 km and 4000m+. The totals are therefore quite similar to for example the Maratona dles Dolomites. The course looks a bit like the old Leggendaria Charly Gaul, but slightly different.
Also in the medio fondo the riders will have to work hard. The course is similar to the gran fondo, but without the 2nd passage of the Bondone. Good for 87 with about 2200m+. Also anything but easy.
Not just anyone can participate in this World Cup. You need to qualify by riding in the best 20% of your age group in one of the races that are part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. In addition to a granfondo and a mediofondo, there is also a time trial and a relay. The time trial course, by the way, is 20 km and almost flat.
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