2018 GranPiemonte unveiled: a “Royal” Race

The 102nd GranPiemonte NamedSport will be held on Thursday 11 October

The last two editions have been won by Italian riders: Giacomo Nizzolo (2016) and Fabio Aru (2017 – Italian National Championship).

The 102nd GranPiemonte NamedSport, organised by RCS Sport/La Gazzetta dello Sport with the support of Regione Piemonte, will be held on Thursday 11 October, starting from Racconigi and finishing in Stupinigi after 191 kilometres. This edition of the race features a course that will pass by many of the great houses of the Savoia family, the former Kings of Italy, in Racconigi, Pralormo, Agliè, Venaria Reale, Rivoli and Stupinigi. The route has been specifically designed to celebrate these important monuments, which are amongst the region’s highlights.

The route is mainly flat with some climbs and descents around Turin. From the start at Racconigi the route goes up part of the Superga hill from Chieri towards Chivasso – on regular roads, sometimes twisty and featuring short climbs and descents – and then becoming flat up until Agliè. The feed zone around the middle of the course (km 89-92) in Ozegna is followed by another flat section through Venaria Reale and Rivoli. Here the roads, in the city centers, have more bends and undulations, with some narrow points. After Rivoli the route runs on wider roads until the finish straight in Stupinigi.

Final kilometres

The last 5km are mostly flat, with a very slight uphill section. The roads are medium width and feture a series of roundabouts. The final straight is 1km long.

Quotes from the press conference

QUOTES

Mauro Vegni, Head of Cycling at RCS Sport, said: “We enjoy a special relationship with Regione Piemonte and Mr Ferraris; two great partners with whom we continue to working closely after having relaunched this wonderful and historic race together. Following the 2017 edition, that was held as the Italian National Championship and won by Fabio Aru, this year we wanted to celebrate some of the region’s rich Italian heritage, providing additional interest on top of the amazing sporting event itself. Racconigi, Pralormo, Agliè, Venaria Reale, Rivoli and Stupinigi will all show their art and history to the world, because with each of our events we want to showcase in a unique way the beauties of the territories that we race through.”

Giovanni Maria Ferraris, Head of Sport for Regione Piemonte, said: “This race brings the honor of great cycling tradition to our region, with a special edition that will pay homage to our Savoia heritage. By shining the spotlight on this combination of cycling and our territory, we are creating a unique mix of history, culture and passion… Piedmont at its best.”