::: La Fausto Coppi :::

Landslides, mudslides and entire stretches of roadway split in two, in the direction of Marmora to Col d’Esischie, imposed the International Marathon La Fausto Coppi Selle San Marco to modify the route of the race. A difficult decision but a much necessary one, given the situation of the roads at high altitudes. The marathon La Fausto Coppi Selle San Marco will change its race route. This international cycling marathon, which is reputed among the most challenging in the European landscape, is also known throughout the world for its spectacular alpine climbs.

After the record snowfalls of the winter, the organization has been finally able to check the paths and in Marmora, between Tolosano and the Col d'Esischie, the roads are damaged, with mudslides and landslides. For this reason the Colle d'Esischie (as well as Colle di Sampeyre for the snow that lasts at the top) was removed from the route.

The new route has been designed to ensure the safety of cyclists and a great day of sport at the same time. The start is confirmed at 7 AM on Sunday, July 7th from Piazza Galimberti in Cuneo. The route was reduced to 150 km with an elevation gain of over 3500 meters.

After Cuneo, cyclists will pass through the villages of Busca and Costigliole Saluzzo and reach the Colletta di Rossana. Hence, they’ll move to Dronero, switching to Montemale in the direction of Piatta-Liretta and then Monterosso Grana, where the group of the granfondo will be reunited with the mediofondo one (no change in this case: 111 km and an altitude of 2500 meters). The over 2000 cyclists will then face the hike up to Castelmagno and the Colle Fauniera and down to Demonte, through the valley of Arma, then Festiona and finally the classics: Madonna del Colletto, Valdieri, Borgo San Dalmazzo and Cuneo.

There will be three GPMs along the route of the Granfondo: Montemale / Piatta-Liretta (1002 m), Col Fauniera (2,485 m), Madonna del Colletto (1310m)

"We're very sorry not to be able to include the Col d’Esischie and the Sampeyre this year - said Emma Mana, President of La Fausto Coppi Selle San Marco - However, we have come up with a route that we hope equally spectacular and a great promotion for the province of Cuneo and valleys. Alpine roads belong to everyone and must be safeguarded. With their participation, our 2,000 cyclists will give a strong message: a call for the safety of the roads at high altitudes, which represent a collective heritage! La Granda (the great province of Cuneo) cannot afford to lose its tradition as beloved province of the bicycles! "

LA FAUSTO COPPI SELLE SAN MARCO 2013 AT A GLANCE:

Middle path (MEDIO FONDO)= Path unchanged. 111 km and altitude of 2500 m.

Marathon (GRANFONDO) = New path. 150 km and altitude of 3500 m.

Start and finish= Start at 7 AM - 7 July, 2013 – Cuneo, Piazza Galimberti, on the side of the Tribunal building.

Route splits at 4.8 Km from the start (at the end of the viaduct Soleri competitors who have chosen the marathon path will have to turn right, those who have chosen the mediofondo will turn left)

Max time (marathon) = 10 hours from the official start

Maximum time passage in Festiona village = 3 PM

IMPORTANT
To participate in the Fausto Coppi Granfondo race you must be paid up members of a national and/or international association. If you are not, you must check at the Italian Cycling Federation stand on Saturday July 8 and exhibit your medical certificate for races
BRACELET The red identification bracelet must be worn and will provide access to the pasta party