Sea Otter Classic has formalized a new partnership with RCS Sport, organizers of the highly esteemed Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia event series. Recreational road rides in the Monterey-based cycling festival are now billed as the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Sea Otter Classic, with event elements, formats and branding falling to the new organization.
“We’re thrilled to bring Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia on board,” states Sea Otter’s Frank Yohannan, “They’ve elevated the format to an art form and deliver a best-in-class product. Fans of our Coastal and Carmel Valley routes will truly benefit from the new influx of energy and ideas.”
“The Giro d’Italia and the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia will be a great complement to the Sea Otter Classic. We are excited to be part of this great event, showcasing all the cycling’s racing disciplines which, of course, could not miss the quintessentially Italian Gran Fondo. It will be a true celebration of cycling and a fantastic launch of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia in North America in 2013”, states Giacomo Catano, CEO of RCS Sport.
Gran Fondos (meaning “long rides”) are mass participation cycling events that originated in Italy. The rides offer avid cyclists of all abilities and ages the opportunity to tackle challenging courses. Some riders race each other, others attempt personal best times, but most ride simply to conquer the terrain and distance and to enjoy the camaraderie and local culture. The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Sea Otter Classic brings to Monterey the Italian cycling tradition that combines fitness, the love of bicycles, and a festival atmosphere. The event is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists.
For more great Gran Fondos, Fun Rides and Century Rides please visit SoCalCycling.com’s Event Calendars.
Photo © Christy Nicholson / EchelonDesignPhoto.com
