New route for Granfondo La Fausto Coppi 2025

The Italian Granfondo La Fausto Coppi in Cuneo has announced an innovation for its 36th edition: The event's main route returns to the legendary Colle di Sampeyre, offering participants an even more spectacular route through the western Italian Alps. The route covers 172 kilometres with a considerable difference in altitude of 4330 metres. According to a press release, the organisers are expecting around 2,500 cyclists to take part.

Route details Granfondo La Fausto Coppi

The new Granfondo route separates from the Mediofondo route just 1.5 kilometres after the start in Cuneo. After passing the Soleri viaduct, the participants turn right towards Busca. The first 20 kilometres are flat before the cyclists reach the Colletta di Rossana, which leads into the Varaita Valley. This is where the first major climb to the Colle di Sampeyre begins, which stretches over 16 kilometres. The Colle di Sampeyre connects the Varaita Valley with the Maira Valley and has gradients of between 7 and 9 per cent, with peaks of up to 13 per cent.

After conquering the Colle di Sampeyre, a 17.7 kilometre long, technically demanding descent into the Maira Valley follows. From there, the route continues to the next highlight of the route, the Colle d'Esischie. This climb stretches over 21 kilometres and takes the riders up to an altitude of 2370 metres. The final challenge awaits the participants with the last 1.5 kilometres of the Colle Fauniera before they reach the highest point of the route at 2481 metres.

Mediofondo La Fausto Coppi

In addition to the long route, the organiser is offering two other options for participants. The Mediofondo remains unchanged at 111 kilometres and 2550 metres in altitude and is an alternative for cyclists who prefer a shorter but still challenging route. The Mediofondo route also starts in Cuneo in Piazza Galimberti and leads via Caraglio in the direction of Valle Grana. After 20 kilometres, the main ascent to Colle Fauniera begins, which stretches over 22 kilometres. After a long descent to Demonte in Valle Stura, the second and final ascent to the Madonna del Colletto at 1304 metres above sea level follows.

Fauniera Classic

If you just want to spend a nice day on a racing bike without a ranking list, you can choose the third option. The Fauniera Classic (101 km and 2187 metres in altitude) is unranked, but with timekeeping and a final list in alphabetical order. After the descent in the Arma Valley to Demonte, participants in the Fauniera Classic ride along the so-called "military route" on the orographic right-hand side of the River Stura to Borgo San Dalmazzo. Here the riders rejoin the Mediofondo route and reach the finish in Piazza Galimberti in Cuneo.

Important for taking part in a cycling marathon in ItalyIf you do not have a racing licence, you must bring a medical certificate confirming that you are healthy and can take part in a cycling race in order to take part in the Granfondo and Mediofondo. A form can be downloaded from the event homepage.