Granfondo San Gottardo

It felt like unfinished business with my first attempt at the Granfondo San Gottardo, now somehow 5 years ago, which saw so much snow the Furka and Nufennen were closed. This time the temperature was warm, all jackets removed before the first timing mat in Airolo, and not all were put back on for the descents.

Instead, the format of this event with only the ascents being timed proved to be a very gentlemanly affair, with riders pushing hard up the climbs, then regrouping at the summit for food, rest and photos before sailing on to the next climb.

Today Gav and Darren from Roche had brought a friend along, who had little cycling experience but was a 5km running expert,  oh and won Chester triathlon a few weeks ago. He did well on the cobbled Tremola, better than expected, but proved to be more than a match on the next climbs as he powered away never to be seen until the summits were reached. Really expected him to fade, but very impressive riding from the 5km specialist, pro athlete all the way. Chapeau.


San Gottardo     0:55:12     12,94 Km/h
Furka     0:51:11    13,36 Km/h
Neufenen     1:06:30    11,37 Km/h
Total 2hr 52m 51s