Articolo disponibile anche in: Italian
This year, the rain that was awaited by the Chianti Classico producers arrived to bathe the departure of the Granfondo Gallo Nero, the bicycle race created and organized by the consortium of Chianti Classico wine.
The weather conditions didn’t discourage the 850 participants, more than 20% than the last addition. It was a repeat performance for many, a new experience for others.
850 amateurs, among Italians and foreigners, mounted their bicycles to run in one of the most beloved territories of cyclists, Chianti Classico.
Each year, thousands of fans are attracted here, and the area was chosen to be the theater of the ninth segment of the 2016 Giro d’Italia, Chianti Classico Stage. Two itineraries shared the Granfondo segment, both starting in Radda in Chianti. One was 140 km and the other was 83 km.
They took cyclists across vineyards which have been giving Tuscany its best wine for three centuries. The borders of Chianti Classico were defined by the grand Duke Cosimo lll, with an edict outlining the production zone of Gallo Nero wine. The date was September 24, 1716.
The first who opted for the medium itinerary (83 km) were Marco da Castagnori and Domenico Nucera, who raced head to head in the last 800 meters. Da Castagnori reached the finish line first with 3+ seconds ahead of the “Campione del Mondo” 2016 amateurs in his category.
Another duel along the longer, 140 km itinerary: during the next 57 km, with an additional 1100 meters of slope, among which the historic Valico del Morellino. To reach the top, at 725 meters above sea level, the athletes face a climb of 7.5 km with a slope that reaches 17%. 30 kilometers from the finish line, before crossing the Conca d’Oro of Panzano in Chianti, Federico Pozzetto and Federico Scotti are in the lead.
Everything depends on the last 3 km, going up towards Piazza lV Novembre, where Scott he raises his arms to the heavens, 50 seconds ahead. The Gallo Nero Village was set up at the finish line. From early morning it was filled with music, in the Piazza made colorful by the many jerseys, among which was the celebratory jersey of the 300 years of Chianti Classico, awarded to the first 500 who entered the race. All the other participants received the official jersey of the Granfondo, along with many gadgets.
After the race, a pasta party, where, thanks to the beautiful weather, the athletes gathered to taste a rich menu based on DOP and IGP products: buffalo mozzarella from Campania, finocchiona, prosciutto from Tuscany, Daunia olives, and penne and meat sauce prepared by Radda cooks. More than 850 portions and 115 kg of pasta were consumed.
Naturally, there was a toast with Chianti Classico, served in glass goblets. Following was the awards ceremony for the best in each category, based on age and sex, for each of the two itineraries. The athletes were rewarded with the precious nectar of Chianti: up to the fifth place in each category, bottles of Chianti Classico producers were awarded.
The first in each category received a double magnum of Gallo Nero from the consortium. The last to arrive, the “Maglia Nera” (black jersey), received a Magnum. The “Riffa del Gallo Nero” randomly awarded 100 cyclists with a gift from Sportful.
“We are very satisfied with the fourth edition of the Granfondo del Gallo Nero,”, says Sergio Zingarelli, President of the Chianti Classico wine consortium. “Affection for our territory and this race were confirmed. It grows every year. The weather was not an issue: with our beautiful landscape, our fine wine and competitive spirit, everyone was united in friendship today. Gallo Nero offered its best today to the 100’s of athletes present”.”
Chianti Classico”, affirms Giuseppe Liberatore, General director of the consortium, “involves itself in many activities to promote the territory and increase tourism, in an effort to help the local economy. The success of the Granfondo today has given us confirmation of the validity of our choices”.