Cycling. The 'Granfondo della Vernaccia' on March 29th and 30th

All ready for the 'San Gimignano Vernaccia Granfondo' arrived at its 26th edition with the 'Montemaggio Martyrs' Cup' which this year returns competitive and cuts the ribbon of half a century of life. Two days: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March promoted and organized by the San Gimignano Amateur Cycling Group. Presentation in the noble hall of the City Council with the popular speaker Daniel Guidi, a precious commentator and expert of the national cycling. The deputy mayor and sports councilor Niccolò Guicciardini hosted the event, alongside the president of the San Gimignano amateur group Marino Demi and Paolo Marrucci, responsible for the two-wheel events that carry forward this sporting excellence in the city that is a world heritage site. Also present at the table were Paolo Marafon, president of Fci Siena and Domizio Spadi of Moto Guzzi-Prato, organizers of the 50th Martiri Montemaggio. So it will be two days of pedaling along the streets of the Sienese and Florentine Valdelsa, starting from Santa Lucia and for the first time the arrival will be in Piazza Duomo. The long route of the Granfondo is 107 km, the short one is 83 km with cyclists (almost) walking, cycling and pedaling to touch with their own hands the panoramas that overlook between one hill and another, one vineyard and another. The reborn and competitive 'Coppa Martiri Montemaggio' Under 23, on Sunday 30 March began its journey in 1946 in memory of the 19 partisans shot by the Nazi-fascists on 28 March 44, it repeats the same path with the first overall winner in 47 the climber from San Gimignano Mauro Martinucci. Without forgetting the champion of the two wheels and never forgotten Franco Ballerini and the other international champion the Swiss Fabian Cancellara: the 'Coppa Montemaggio' was his springboard into the world.

Romano Francardelli