There are still three months to go to Colnago Cycling Festival but there are already more that 15 nationalities at the start. Among the subscribers to the three days of activities on Garda Lake great success has collected Granfondo Colnago Desenzano del Garda, scheduled for May 17th and close to sold out the 3.000 bibs available.
In the starting list, which now include all five continents signaling the increasing internationality of the event, to be reported in the list of new entry nations there are South Africa, Malaysia and Japan.
Satisfaction and enthusiasm are expressed by cavalier Ernesto Colnago, honorary citizen of Desenzano del Garda, who celebrated his 83rd birthday looks with optimism to another party of two wheels: «I look forward to the appointment. I am happy for the good answer we received from the riders, there is already “bagarre” to win a race number and many fans from all over the world have marked in red on the calendar the dates of our event, which takes place in a city which for me has become a second home».
Preparations continue locally to accommodate the many tourists expected from May 15th to 17th with hotels that have entered into agreements with the organizing committee (on the website of the event, at www.colnagocyclingfestival.com/soggiorno.html you can find a list of all the structures making their stay specifically for athletes with a secure storage for bicycles or the opportunity to bring them in the room, a full breakfast for Sunday morning and room availability until 4.00 pm) and shopkeepers in the area, who are setting up their windows ad hoc. Also this year there will be the competition that will reward the best showcase staged, whose owner Sunday will be awarded with a Colnago bike.
Fundamental it’s the support of the administration led by Mayor Rosa Leso: «I thank Ernesto and his company for choosing our town and making it known in the cycling world. The inscriptions from around the world demonstrate the success of the initiative and our farsighted investment. We started quietly and now own an event of international reputation we are really proud of».
The synergy between sport and tourism, as explained by the Councillor for Economic Development Valentino Righetti, has become inseparable: «Our region is now one of the top destinations for cyclists who want to ride on safe streets, admire beautiful landscapes, know our history and savor the delicacies that offers our land. We are ready to welcome the many cycling fans with open arms».
Returning to the race the second grid is almost completed. Who wants to start the race in a privileged position will have to rush to enroll: only few places are still available. Granfondo registration are possibile at 35 € until April 16th (from April 17th to May 9th, the cost will rise to 40 €), through the site www.mysdam.it or by following the instructions on the event website.
The Colnago Cycling Festival is however not only competition, but a veritable feast that will color the city for three days. From lively Expo to the white night, through the many initiatives for children and adults scheduled, such as “Baby Bike” and Randonnée “Tour of Garda Lake” on Saturday and “Family Bike” or “Garda Legend” reserved to vintage bikes on Sunday.
The sporting event and tourism promotion is the perfect opportunity for bike lovers to spend a short holiday near Garda Lake exploiting the many area attractions and enjoying the spring weather. Just think of the nearby Sirmione, Garda pearl known for its hot springs, Salò, Limone, Peschiera but also, a little further away, romantic Verona, Brescia and of course Venice. Numerous culinary attractions are waiting lovers of good food and good wine. For fun recommended are Gardaland park, Movie Studios & Water Studios, Sea Life, Parco Natura Viva, Jungle Adventure Park and the beautiful botanical garden Sigurtà Park that will satisfy the whole family.
