The 103rd edition of GranPiemonte NamedSport was presented today at the Sala Stampa of the Piedmont Region in Piazza Castello in Turin
The race organized by RCS Sport / La Gazzetta dello Sport in collaboration with the Piedmont Region is scheduled for Thursday 10 October. Unlike in the last few years, the 2019 route presents some major changes; it’s no longer a route for finisseurs and sprinters but suits climbers, with the start in Agliè and the finish at the Sanctuary of Oropa (Biella) after the final ascent of Oropa (1142m). The same finale has hosted already six stage finishes of the Giro d’Italia: the most recent, in 2017 saw victory for Tom Dumoulin, who went on to win the Corsa Rosa. There will be 19 teams at the start with one more WorldTeam joining those originally announced: Team Ineos, who asked to participate in the race and will be at the start with their Tour de France winner, the Colombian Egan Bernal. Richard Carapaz, winner of the 2019 Giro d’Italia, is also expected to be at the start.
THE ROUTE
The route winds between the Canavese and Biellese areas. In the first part it undulates on roads that are sometimes narrow (especially in the town crossings), and sometimes wide and straight. After the Feed Zone (km 104-107) the route is practically flat up to Valdengo where the gentle ascent of Nelva begins through Valle San Nicolao and Bianchette. The fast descent at Biella leads to where the final ascent of Oropa begins on the “classic” route that has already been faced on several occasions by the Giro d’Italia.
LAST KM
The last 11km are uphill from Biella to the Sanctuary of Oropa. The first part, up to the town of Favaro, is on gentle slopes. The maximum slopes of around 13% are reached in the town of Favaro, on porphyry pavement. The climb continues with numerous bends and slopes of around 9% up to the finish on a straight road that’s 130m long and 6.5m wide.
Quotes from the press conference
“It is an honour for our Region to host a sporting competition of this level, even more so in the centenary of the birth of Fausto Coppi,” said Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region and Fabrizio Ricca, Councilor for Sport of the Piedmont Region. “Events like this allow our territory to make itself known in all its beauty and show that Piedmont is a land of opportunities for anyone who wants to organise events at the highest levels. Cycling is closely linked to the Piedmont Region, which, with its landscapes rich in natural and historical beauties, will be an extremely beautiful background for the GranPiemonte.”
Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sport, said: “Our relationship with the Piedmont Region has been solid for many years and we are confident that it will continue to develop in the best way. The GranPiemonte is the first international event where we are working with the new regional council but we are sure that we will be in harmony and find the key to organising other great events in this territory. The race will be broadcast live on the Rai networks and will also be available across five continents.”
Mauro Vegni, RCS Sport Cycling Director, said: “This year, in agreement with the Piedmont Region, we decided to have the finish of the 103rd edition of the GranPiemonte at the Sanctuary of Oropa, which has already hosted six stage finishes of the Giro d’Italia. The last time, in 2017, the stage winner was Tom Dumoulin, who then went on to win that Giro. The decision for this edition of the race to include an uphill finish, unlike the last few years, has already proved to be a winning one. In fact – in addition to the 18 teams we announced two weeks ago – we received a request for participation from Team Ineos yesterday, and they will be at the start with the winner of this year’s Tour de France, Egan Bernal. We are sure that it will be a very beautiful race fought in a territory rich in culture, history and great sport.”
