2026 La Fausto Coppi Gran Fondo – 25/6/2026 > 29/6/2026
Event Date: 25/6/2026 > 29/6/2026 Tour Dates: 25/6/2026 > 29/6/2026Only £50 deposit if booked before 31/1/26
You maybe asking who is Fausto Coppi , if so it’s probably because your maybe from the new generation of cyclists and still playing catch up on the history of the sport you love. He was an Italian cyclist who dominated the sport in the 1940’s and 1950’s earning the nick name Il Campionissimo ( the champion ) . His career highlights include five Giro d’italia victories, two Tour de France wins, and numerous other classic races. His career was marked by both incredible triumphs, like being the first to achieve the Giro-Tour double, and personal tragedy, including the death of his brother and a public scandal over his affair with “La Dama Bianca”. He died tragically in 1960 from malaria, misdiagnosed as a severe flu.
There is a well established Gran Fondo in his name in it’s 37th edition and we are organising a trip for our customers to experience such a great event in memory of a legend. There are 3 distances available 172km , 111km and 101km. We have detailed in full further down this page each distance and route , the long distance is not for the faint hearted ! – lol
Click here for a review of the event from Cycling Plus :- Cycling Plus Report
Major Climbs
COLLE SAMPEYRE
Height: 2.284 m
Length: 16 km
Overall altitude difference: 1.311 m
Medium slope: 8%
Max slope: 13,2%
ONLY GRANFONDO
COLLE D’ESISCHIE
Height: 2.370 m
Length: 21,4 km
Overall altitude difference: 1.233 m
Medium slope: 7,2%
Max slope: 13%
ONLY GRANFONDO
COLLE FAUNIERA
Height: 2481 m
Length: 22,3 km
Overall altitude difference: 1689 M
Medium slope: 8%
Max slope: 14%
MEDIOFONDO & GRANFONDO
MADONNA DEL COLLETTO
Height: 1304 m
Length: 7,3 km
Overall altitude difference: 564 m
Medium slope: 8%
Max slope: 13%
MEDIOFONDO & GRANFONDO
Long Route
The Long route covers 172 km with circa 4300 meters of elevation gain: there are not many Granfondo’s in Italy as hard and difficult. The route of the long / medium route splits at the gates of Cuneo after 1.5 km from the start. In fact, after riding along the Soleri Viaduct you turn right, towards Busca, 20 km on the flat and you then face the Colletta di Rossana that leads into the Varaita Valley to then reach the first climb that is the Colle di Sampeyre. This is then followed by the fast and technical descent to the Maira Valley (17.7 km). Descending into the Maira Valley, after a flat section, turning left begins the climb towards the Colle Fauniera passing over the Colle d’Esischie (21.4 km) where the Granfondo route meets the Mediofondo route. Another 1.5 km and the Colle Fauniera will be tamed! A 25-km descent to the town of Demonte in the Stura Valley will lead to the last effort of the day; the Madonna del Colletto climb (7.3 km with highs of 13 percent). The great difficulties of the Granfondo are over. The route continues as the path of the medium event back to Cuneo, toward the finish line.
Medium Route
You maybe thinking ” I have dodged a bullet ” by not doing the long route – maybe but this I am sure this will be the toughest 111km event you would have taken part in , but very very enjoyable and rewarding.
The 111 km has more than 2,550 metres of altitude difference. The route starts in Cuneo, in Piazza Galimberti, and heads towards the Grana Valley, passing through Caraglio. After 20 km from the start, the most important climb of the race begins, the 22 km of the Colle Fauniera (2,481 m). At the top, the majestic landscape soon gives way to a long descent, which leads to Demonte. In the Stura Valley, just a few kilometres away is the second and final climb of the route, Madonna del Colletto (mt. 1,304) The subsequent descent leads into the Gesso Valley to Valdieri and from here to Borgo San Dalmazzo, to return to Cuneo, towards the finish line.
Fauniera Classic Route
The shorter route is a non-competitive Fauniera Classic route a tribute to the race’s iconic road the Fauniera Pass. A new proposal for those who love cycling and do not want to miss out on the pleasure of admiring an extraordinary landscape, without having to reckon with the timings.
Starting from Cuneo, at the exit of the Soleri Viaduct, we head left, towards Caraglio and the Grana Valley. After about twenty kilometres from the start, the climb begins. Passing through Valgrana and Pradleves, you arrive at the Sanctuary of Castelmagno. And then up again, to Colle Fauniera (2,481m). From the summit, you can admire the majestic spectacle of the Cottian Alps. From here, a technical descent begins, to be done carefully and without haste. At Demonte we take the ‘military road’ to Borgo San Dalmazzo, then return to Cuneo, in Piazza Galimberti.
What’s included and what’s not included
What’s included ?
Guided Rides
Airport Transfers
Bed Breakfast
Evening Meals
Entry to the event
General Support from an experienced Tour Operator
Sign on bag – including an event jersey
Whats not included ?
City Tax
Your personal hotel costs , such as bar bill , beverages at the table
Any other personal expenses
Personal Insurance
Flights
Cost – 4 Nights HB – Payment dates
4 Star , town centre
HB
£949.95 – based on two people sharing a room
£149.95 – single room supplement
£150.00 – Deposit
£200.00 – Interim payment 28/2/2026
£Balance – 1/5/2026
Flight arrivals & departures
Outbound / Return
Stansted > Turin – RyanAir 08:05 – suggested
Whichever slight you book please ensure you are through customs by 12 midday , th coach leaves at 12:30
Turin > Stansted > Ryan 17:25
The coach leaves the Hotel at 13:00
What about the ‘Small Print
PAYMENT
Many thanks for deciding to take a trip with European Cycle Events, we really look forward to seeing you.
All Events and Bespoke trip payments
Our terms and conditions can be found on our Terms and Conditions Page
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Departure25/6/2026 > 29/6/2026
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Departure Time25/6/2026 > 29/6/2026
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Included
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Not Included
