Granfondo del Po, a party for a thousand. Bikes parade in the shadow of the Castle. Colorful coach on two routes

La Granfondo of the Po is confirmed with large numbers. The most anticipated cycling event in Ferrara was held yesterday morning among cyclists, who participated in large numbers, over a thousand registered finalists in the shadow of the Estense Castle. Athletes from different regions and also some foreign cyclists. The start was as suggestive as ever, with a colorful snake of cyclists that continued along the two routes planned for the event, the 'long' one of 139km and the 'short' one of 76,6km. The start was given by the sports councilor Francesco Carità. The event was promoted and organized by Po River Asd Aps, with the patronage of the Municipality of Ferrara and the Region.

The long 139km and short 76,6km routes also crossed the coastal municipalities of the province of Rovigo along the Po River. In detail, the direction of the 76,6km route Ferrara, Pontelagoscuro, Polesella, Ro Ferrarese, Coccanile, Cesta, Cologna, Alberone (refreshment point), Zocca, Malborghetto di Boara and return to Ferrara. Instead, the 'long' 133km Ferrara, Pontelagoscuro, Canaro, Polesella, Guarda Veneta, Crespino, Villanova Marchesana, Papozze, Bottrighe, Corbola (refreshment point), Ariano nel Polesine, Ariano Ferrarese, Berra, Guarda, Ro Ferrarese and arrival in Ferrara. The arrival of the cyclists was in via Bacchelli, the first to cross the finish line were those of the short route, while the long route a few hours later. The awards ceremony for the men's and women's overalls were held directly at the finish line, while at the Pala Palestre the cyclists were able to collect their category awards. The men's overall 'short' classification saw Alberto Brini (Asd Capitani Minuteria metalliche) win, followed by Lorenzo Visani (Jun BD Fast) and Michele Malavolta (Jun BD Fast) in third. Among the women, victory went to Alessia Piva (Asd Rainbow high road), ahead of Viviana Zago (Team Passion Faentina) and Eleonora Calvi Di Coenzo (Rodman Azimut team). This was followed by the awards ceremony for the two podiums of the 'long' route: among the men, success went to Loris Paoli (Asd Swatt Club), then Alessandro Motta (Se2 Highroad team) and Filippo Fiorini (Team Passione Faentina). Rounding out the women's podium were Kelly Sichi (Zero cycling team), Vanessa Santeliz Bautista (Team Factor Hicabi Stemax) and Alessio Quaglio (Asd Team Armistizio). The award for the largest group speaks Tuscan, with Team Factor Hicari Stemax, on the podium the two Ferrarese 'Borghi Bike' and Atletica Corriferrara.

Mario Tosatti