THE ROUTE AND ALTITUDE OF THE GRANFONDO
172 km for more than 4300 meters of elevation gain: there are not many Granfondo races in Italy so hard and difficult. The route of the Granfondo splits from that of the Mediofondo already at the gates of Cuneo after 1.5 km from the start. In fact, after riding along the Soleri Viaduct you turn right, towards Busca. 20 km on the flat and you face the Colletta di Rossana that leads into the Varaita Valley to then reach the first climb that is the Colle di Sampeyre; 16 km of regular course. This is followed by the fast and technical descent to the Maira Valley (17.7 km). Descending into the Maira Valley, after a flat section, turning left begins the climb towards the Colle Fauniera passing over the Colle d’Esischie (21.4 km) where the Granfondo route meets the Mediofondo route. Another 1.5 km and the Colle Fauniera will be tamed! A 25-km descent to the town of Demonte in the Stura Valley will lead to the last effort of the day; the Madonna del Colletto climb (7.3 km with highs of 13 percent). The great difficulties of the Granfondo are over. The route continues as described in the Mediofondo, back to Cuneo, toward the finish line.
