Press Releases
San Diego Gran Fondo: the USA’s first-ever Italian Fondo is back this April 21st, 2024
The San Diego Gran Fondo represents Italian Cycling and Culture on the West Coast at its finest. A true Italian Gran Fondo is meant to make an everyday rider feel like a fully supported professional rider, and the San Diego Gran Fondo does so with real Italian flare.
The San Diego Gran Fondo (SDGF) is one of North America’s Top Gran Fondo’s, attracting cyclists from over 32 states and over 20 countries worldwide. While the ride grows in popularity each year, it maintains its charming, friendly, and intimate atmosphere.
Starting in March 2009, San Diego Gran Fondo was the first-ever Gran Fondo event in the USA. Experience a true, authentic Italian Fondo starting in downtown San Diego, dubbed ‘America’s Finest City’, is a world-renowned cycling destination, and home to mountains, beaches, deserts, and lakes.
The event begins and culminates on San Diego’s waterfront where all participants receive a finisher’s medal, a free massage, beer garden, a four-course fully included Italian lunch, and a live band.
In the spirit of Italian Gran Fondos, SDGF is a highly energetic public cycling event attended by pros, recreational cyclists, and weekend warriors. SDGF incorporates timed overall routes, KOM/QOM timed climbs, fantastic rest stops, route support mechanics and SAG to make sure you keep rolling along.
3 Routes for all Abilities
The classic 100-mile Gran Fondo Route includes the “Great Western Loop”, a San Diego favorite that cruises through East County’s backcountry. The Gran Fondo Route boasts 6,600 feet of climbing. there’s also the hill climb located on Japatul Rd at mile 36 and will serve as the KOM/QOM for the Gran Fondo riders. The Gran Fondo has four fantastic rest stops. The Gran Fondo real test for more intermediate and advanced cyclists.
The 60-mile Medio Fondo Route stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the San Diego backcountry and scenic views of Otay Lakes in Chula Vista with 3,100 feet of climbing. The Medio Fondo has three fantastic rest stops and will suit intermediate cyclists with a good endurance base who want to challenge themselves
By popular demand, the Piccolo Fondo Route is 35 miles and is designed for riders who want a Gran Fondo experience, yet prefer a shorter riding distance, this route features a flat-to-rolling course with one fantastic rest stop and just 1,300 total feet of climbing.
Riders’ favorite rest stop foods include salmon and cream cheese paninis with capers, Nutella strawberry sandwiches, and peanut butter, honey, and banana delights.
All three routes benefit from Course Marshalls, Bike Mechanics, and SAG Vehicles should you land yourself in any difficulty.
16th Anniversary Celebration!
The USA's longest running Gran Fondo is back, and it's bigger and better than ever before! Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the San Diego Gran Fondo has been named as one of the Top Three USA Granfondos by Gran Fondo Guide, and for good reason.
This year, the event promises to make every rider feel like a fully supported professional with true Italian panache. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an everyday rider, you can choose from three different routes that cater to cyclists of ALL abilities. So, get ready to believe in your abilities and be brave enough to push yourself to discover what you're truly capable of both physically and mentally.
With San Diego's temperate Mediterranean climate, you can look forward to cycling in ideal temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit on event day.
You can meet up with all your friends at the finish line party and enjoy your included Italian lunch and beer together on the San Diego waterfront.
Now that is a great way to enjoy Sunday together!
Supporting Life Sports Foundation
The San Diego Gran Fondo is proud to support Life Sports Foundation. Life Sports Foundation is dedicated to helping people of all abilities who are facing physical, situational, or medical challenges to enrich their lives through sports. We provide opportunities for enhanced athletic lifestyles through endurance events, specialized equipment, training, competition expenses, and education.
Although fundraising is not required it is greatly encouraged. The Ride organizers show their thankfulness by providing a free ride entry and Jersey to any rider raising $600 or more.
Don't miss out on this truly authentic Italian experience - join everyone at the San Diego Gran Fondo 2024!
It’s the Granddaddy of all American Gran Fondos! It’s one of the best organized bike rides in North America. Make sure you add it your bucket list and experience an authentic Italian bike ride in Sunny California. You won’t regret it!
For detailed information, please visit: http://www.SDGranFondo.com or click the button below to register now.
About the San Diego Gran Fondo
GranFondo Cycling Tours are the producers of the San Diego GranFondo. Owners Tobias and Carrie Panek started their company because they wanted to share their love of the GranFondo with the world!
In 2003, Tobias and Carrie started taking cyclists to Italy to experience the thrill of riding in GranFondos. The Paneks, being native to San Diego, love holding the GranFondo San Diego in their hometown and sharing the experience with local cyclists as well as cyclists from all over the United States and abroad. For more information, please visit: https://www.gftours.com
Updates
Posted March 27, 2020
Thank you all for your encouragement and understanding through these trying times. We are still closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our State leadership so that we can continue to make ongoing assessments as developments unfold. First and foremost, the health of our staff, attendees and partners will always be our first priority.
With that being said we have continued to work with our local governments to search for dates in which to hold the Campagnolo Granfondo Bike Ride later in the year. The City of San Diego is not currently entertaining any new dates for a ride in the future. As there is no clear direction as of yet from the city, the Granfondo Staff has decided to move the Campagnolo Granfondo San Diego to June 13th and merge with our Giro di San Diego Granfondo currently permitted and scheduled to run on Saturday, June 13th at Kit Karson Park in Escondido.
You will be provided with information to move your registration to the new ride and new date. This information will be sent in approximately two weeks. Please review the date, times and venue closely as the venue and routes are new to the Campagnolo Granfondo San Diego. If you ordered Granfondo San Diego clothing it will be available at the Giro Ride June 13th
Finally, we are sending our best wishes to everyone who is being affected by the virus and our thoughts go out to you, your families and your communities.
The Granfondo Team
Posted March 11, 2020
Hello GranFondo San Diego Riders,
Race directors have determined that, out of an abundance of caution, the 2020 GranFondo San Diego Ride will be postponed to a later date. The current health and safety conditions surrounding the Coronavirus are still unknown at this time. This is the best direction possible keeping the health and safety of our staff and athletes a top priority.
We are working with the various governments to determine the best date in which to re-schedule the event. We will provide more information as soon as it is known.
We know these are challenging times and appreciate all your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
The GranFondo Team
For immediate Release JANUARY 21, 2019
La Dolce Vita: Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego gears up for its 11th edition
America’s longest running Gran Fondo represents Italian Cycling and Culture on the West Coast at its finest!
San Diego, CA – SoCal’s early season Italian Epic is back on Saturday April 7, 2019, starting under the iconic “Little Italy” sign in downtown San Diego.
The Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego is one of North America’s Top Gran Fondo’s, attracting cyclists from over 32 states and over 20 countries worldwide. While the ride grows in popularity each year, it maintains its charming, friendly, and intimate atmosphere.
Started in 2009, its North America’s longest running Gran Fondo.
Italy’s finest bicycle and component manufacturer Campagnolo, has been title sponsor for seven years. Four routes, allow cyclists of ALL abilities to enjoy this truly authentic Italian experience.
The 20-mile Fun Fondo brings riders along San Diego’s picturesque Big Bay, while the 32-mile Piccolo Fondo adds more of a challenge, heading inland for 900’ of climbing.
Hardier riders will enjoy the 60-mile Medio Fondo with 1,500’ of climbing, and the 100-mile Gran Fondo, includes 7,000’ of climbing and a timed King/Queen of the Mountain competition on the climb of Japatul Road!
In true Italian Flair, the huge peloton will be led out by an impressive procession of the finest Ferrari’s, while world-class Campy mechanics provide on-course assistance, as you experience America’s Finest City and its surrounding mountains, beaches, deserts, and lakes.
You’ll benefit from up to five fully-stocked aid stations too.
Your ride culminates on San Diego’s famous waterfront with a finisher’s medal, a free massage, beer garden, and a four-course Italian feast!
San Diego shares Italy's temperate Mediterranean climate, so you can look forward to cycling in ideal temperatures ranging from 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit!
A true Italian Gran Fondo is meant to make an everyday rider feel like a fully supported professional rider, and the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego does so with true Italian panache.
Make sure you add America’s “Original Gran Fondo” to your Bucket List!
Register NOW and SAVE!
Registration is open and early entry is advised to secure a place.
Register now and save, prices go up February 22nd, 2019!
For more information, please visit https://www.sdgranfondo.com
Supporting Challenged Athletes Foundation®
The Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego is proud to support Challenged Athletes Foundation's® (CAF) Operation Rebound® through Life Sports Foundation.
Challenged Athletes Foundation's® (CAF) Operation Rebound® program is the premier sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. Although fundraising is not required it is greatly encouraged. The Ride organizers show their thankfulness by providing a free ride entry and Jersey to any rider raising $600 or more.
PRESS RELEASE - 2018
Campagnolo GranFondo San Diego Bike Ride and Community Health & Wellness Expo
April 7th – 8th, 2018 - San Diego, California
This year the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, with All New Routes, the USA’s longest running Gran Fondo
Early season Italian epic, which supports Challenged Athletes Foundation – Operation Rebound through Life Sports Foundation
Named in the Top Three USA Granfondos by Granfondo Guide
A Gran Fondo is meant to make an everyday rider feel like a fully supported professional rider, and the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego does so with true Italian panache. Founded in 2009, the event is now in its tenth consecutive year and the Italian bicycle component manufacturer Campagnolo has been its title sponsor since 2013.
Riders line up under the iconic “Little Italy” sign in downtown San Diego, where professional announcers call up cycling celebrities and an impressive procession of Ferraris leads out the peloton. World-class Campy mechanics provide on-course assistance and the event culminates on San Diego’s waterfront with finisher medals, free massage, beer garden, and a four-course Italian feast.
San Diego, dubbed ‘America’s Finest City’, is a world-renowned cycling destination, and home to mountains, beaches, deserts, and lakes. The Campagnolo GranFondo San Diego, the longest running GranFondo in America, showcases both its natural and urban wonders.
To celebrate its 10th year, four new route options are offered with something for everyone. Starting with the 20-mile Fun Fondo which brings riders along San Diego’s picturesque Big Bay. The 32-mile Piccolo Fondo adds more challenge, heading inland for 900’ of climbing. Hardier riders will enjoy the 60-mile Medio Fondo with 1,500’ of climbing, and the Gran Fondo route, at 100 miles, includes 7,000’ of climbing and a timed King/Queen of the Mountain competition. This year the Granfondo route features a counter clockwise portion of San Diego’s renowned “Great Western Loop.”
Some may ask why a GranFondo would offer shorter ride options, organizers say, “The GranFondo Experience should be fun for everyone. We want to grow the cycling community by encouraging the love of cycling and encouraging everyone to get out there and ride. We’ve had many riders start out at lower mileages and come back year after year with the goal of conquering one of the longer rides. Many experiencing the GranFondo for the first time are amazed by the fun and excitement of the Little Italy start and by the sheer size, fun and fanfare of the GranFondo Finish line party.” This year the Cycling, Health and Wellness Expo is featuring speakers from local cycling advocation groups, clubs and supported charities.
San Diego shares Italy's temperate Mediterranean climate, and riders can look forward to cycling in ideal temperatures ranging from 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit on event day. While the ride grows in popularity each year, it maintains a charming, friendly, and intimate personality.
The Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego is proud to support Challenged Athletes Foundation's® (CAF) Operation Rebound® through Life Sports Foundation. Challenged Athletes Foundation's® (CAF) Operation Rebound® program is the premier sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. Although fundraising is not required it is greatly encouraged. The Ride organizers show their thankfulness by providing a free ride entry and Jersey to any rider raising $600 or more.
Registration is now open and early entry is advised! www.sdgranfondo.com
