Its unparalleled market share among performance-oriented cyclists, combined with its comprehensive support of Gran Fondo USA events, made VeloNews the logical choice.

“Gran fondos and cyclosportive bike events are immensely popular in Europe, and now Gran Fondo USA has introduced America to this exciting style of cycling,” stated John Duke, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of The Competitor Group, VeloNews’ parent company. “These are precisely the types of events that interest our readers, and we’re thrilled to be part of America’s first gran fondo series.”

VeloNews, known as The Journal of Competitive Cycling, is a multi-media operation that reaches over 850,000 avid cyclists through its print and online properties. It publishes 21 editions annually, including The Official Guide to the Tour de France.

Gran fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that are held throughout Italy. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and thousands of riders of all abilities participate.

Riders (over 1,000) gather at the break of dawn where else but in Little Italy to jockey for the best starting position, meet up with friends, or listen to the wake up music of Frank Sinatra?

Read More at Nakata News

Briko’s CEO Carlo Boroli confirmed that sponsorship of the Gran Fondo Colnago events is now part of his long-term North American marketing strategy. “We’ve decided to participate in the Gran Fondo Colnago project because it represents the best opportunity for Briko to differentiate itself in the US market,” he said.

Briko recently opened an office in the USA to manage its growing North American business in cycling and skiing.

To further support Briko’s efforts in cycling, the company has retained 2-time cycling world champion Paolo Bettini to design a line of high performance cycling apparel. Briko’s Paolo Bettini Collection will be available to consumers in 2010.

“Gran fondo means ‘big ride’ in Italian”, said company co-founder Matteo Gerevini. “And these events combine fun and challenging bike routes with a unique passion for cycling that is only found in Italy.”

Read more at Bicycle Retailer

Gran fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that have become immensely popular in Italy. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and thousands of riders of all abilities participate.

“We have decided to expand and extend our total support of the events organized by Gran Fondo USA because of their understanding of the US cycling market and their commitment to quality,” said Ernesto Colnago, the company’s founder. “The flair, spirit and quality of their events capture the essence of our brand.”

Colnago’s 3-year deal calls for its continued sponsorship of Gran Fondo San Diego on March 7, 2010; the inaugural Gran Fondo Philadelphia to be held on August 8; and events in other cities, which will be named in the coming months.

Participation in all of these events is part of Colnago’s development plan for the United States, where it recently opened it subsidiary Colnago America.

“‘Gran Fondo’ means ‘Big Ride’ in Italian”, said series co-founder Matteo Gerevini, “and these events combine fun and challenging bike routes with a passion for cycling that is uniquely Italian. We’re proud to welcome Colnago to our project – America’s very first gran fondo series — because it’s Italy’s most prestigious cycling brand.”

In 2009 the first Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego attracted more than 1,200 cyclists and is scheduled to return to San Diego for its second edition on March 7, 2010.

Read More at ibclimbn.blogspot.com

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