Granfondo Alé La Merckx 2023: The European marathon champions will be determined here

The Granfondo Internazionale Alé La Merckx starts on 11 June from the heart of Verona and leads over the mountains and hills of Lessinia, between alpine pastures and vineyards, to the finish in "Le Torricelle", north of the city. Participants can choose between two routes: the Granfondo covers 129 kilometres with an altitude difference of 2,600 metres, while the Mediofondo offers around 1,450 metres of elevation gain over 82 kilometres.

>> Everyman dates 2023: These are the most important events

The majestic Piazza Bra, which overlooks the famous Arena of Verona, will be the stage for the start of the cycling marathon. From there, the participants of the two routes will cycle together for about 60 kilometres, first through the streets of the city along the Hapsburg city walls, then on the routes that wind through the areas of the province of Verona, in the lower Valpolicella along the vineyards of the best wines of the Veneto and the historic villages at the foot of the mountains.

The ascent of the Granfondo Internazionale Alé La Merckx

A long climb, covering a total of 18 kilometres, was named the "Cannibal's Climb" in honour of world champion Eddy Merckx. It leads through many small villages and will thin out the starting field considerably in the final section. The degree of difficulty increases, especially on a two-kilometre stretch immediately after the village of S. Rocco and up to Località Pontara, as the average gradient is between 9 and 13 per cent.

In Valpantena, around 60 kilometres after the start, the long and medium distances separate. The Granfondisti continue to the Passo del Pidocchio, which at 1568 metres above sea level is the highest point of the route. After a narrow, winding descent, the route heads back towards Verona in the Borgo Venezia district. The 4.5-kilometre final section with an average gradient of just under 5.0 per cent was part of the route of the 1999 and 2004 World Cycling Championships and the 2019 Giro d'Italia.

No start without a licence

All participants need a racing licence and a medical certificate. If you do not have a racing licence, you can buy a day licence for 10 euros.

The entry fee is currently 70 euros. This includes a starter pack with an Alé wind waistcoat. The Granfondo and Mediofondo European Championships also take place as part of the cycling marathon.