Granfondo La Fausto Coppi 2025
A Brutal, Beautiful, Unforgettable Ride in Cuneo
This year, I had the unforgettable experience of participating in the 36th edition of Granfondo La Fausto Coppi in Cuneo, Italy — a legendary race that truly tests your limits and rewards you with breathtaking beauty, world-class organization, and the most passionate cycling atmosphere I’ve ever witnessed. I’d been invited by our friends at Vitamina C, the Italian cycle industry marketing experts. Being a fan of cycling in Italy, it was an obvious invitation to accept!
On June 30, 2025, I stood at the start line in Piazza Galimberti, surrounded by more than 2,500 cyclists from 42 countries. The event felt international from the start, with Argentina as the partner nation this year and a parade of flags bringing a festival atmosphere to the city. The yellow jersey of 2025 paid tribute to the Argentine sun, adding a symbolic touch to this already special race.
The Race: 172 km, 4,300 m Elevation — Pure Grit
All the various events distances — Granfondo, Mediofondo, and the non-competitive Fauniera Classic — launched together in a spectacular start, just after 1.5 km, the routes split. For me, I veered right toward the long-distance Granfondo, racing at average speed of 45 km/h on the flat 40 km section. It was an epic and fast start, and an indicator what was to come – a great day for cycling!
The Climbs: Brutal, Beautiful, and Unforgiving
1. Colle di Sampeyre (2,284 m) — 16 km of steady climbing
The race warmed up with the Colletta di Rossana, a small climb that led us into the Varaita Valley. After about 20 km on the flat, the real challenge began.
The Colle di Sampeyre was the first major climb — a 16 km ascent on a steady, regular gradient. It offered some shaded sections through the forest, which I was grateful for as the sun quickly gained strength. The views were spectacular, but the climb was relentless. The descent to the Maira Valley (17.7 km) that followed was fast, technical, and required full concentration.
2. Colle Fauniera (2,481 m) via Colle d’Esischie — 21.4 km of climbing
After the descent and a flat section in the valley, the real battle began with the ascent toward Colle Fauniera. This climb passed over Colle d’Esischie (21.4 km of climbing), where the Granfondo route merged again with the Mediofondo route. From there, just another 1.5 km to the summit of Colle Fauniera — a brutal, exposed, and legendary climb. The heat was merciless, and riders were plunging their heads into freezing fountains and soaking their kits to stay cool.
3. Madonna del Colletto (1,304 m) — 7.3 km, max gradient 13%
After a 25 km descent to Demonte in the Stura Valley, the final challenge awaited: the Madonna del Colletto climb. Short but vicious, this 7.3 km ascent hit gradients of up to 13%. It was a true test of what was left in my legs after hours on the saddle. With the crowd cheering and volunteers providing constant support, I dug deep to crest this final climb.
From there, the toughest parts of the Granfondo were over. The route now followed the same final stretch as the Mediofondo, descending gently back toward Cuneo and the finish line in Piazza Galimberti, picking up more riders and allowing us to finish together in the beautiful sun. The cycling had been spectacular, the mountains epic, and the fellow riders were amazing. Thankfully, my new TIME Scylon road bike had looked after me well, and we’d climbed in unison, loving this epic Italian cycling adventure, in memory of Fausto Coppi!
Despite the intense heat and gruelling elevation, I proudly finished 4th in my age group and 9th among women overall — a result I’m extremely proud of in such a prestigious and challenging event.
Heat, Humanity, and Hydration
The heat was brutal throughout the day, but the volunteers were phenomenal — constantly handing out water, pouring it over riders, and supporting us at every turn. Riding an event such as this, you need to be aware of the nature of cycling in the Italian mountains – the physical and mental challenges. The sun can be truly brutal, and you must stay hydrated. Many riders, including myself, cooled off in mountain fountains and streams, soaking our kits to survive the relentless summer sun.
Pro-Level Organization and Electric Atmosphere
The event was professionally organized from start to finish: well-marked routes, perfectly placed and fully stocked food stations, and seamless logistics. The spectators were incredible — cheering passionately, encouraging us, and sometimes even giving riders a little push up the steepest sections. It felt like riding a stage of the Giro d’Italia, and I absolutely loved it!
The evenings before, too; sharing time and food with our friends such as Arianna and Claudia from Vitamina C. Robert had told me about the event and I was excited to come – it proved to be a great decison, and I made friends that will remain so. Cycling is an opportunity to share happiness and smiles and to meet so many amazing people – the people who both organise and ride events such as the Fausto Coppi.
Cuneo: The Perfect Host City
Cuneo is a cycling paradise, located at the foot of the Alps with mountain roads just minutes away. Everything is so accessible for cyclists visiting the area, and the rides are breathtaking. The historic Piazza Galimberti served as the perfect start and finish area, surrounded by cafes, arcades, and a wealth of breathtaking views.
Cuneo’s highlights:
• Culinary treasures: Famous for chestnuts, hazelnuts, cheeses, and celebrated Piedmont wines.
Rich cycling culture: Deeply connected to Fausto Coppi’s legacy.
• Eco-conscious organization: The race featured an Eco Team to keep the routes clean, promoting sustainability throughout the event.
Click Here for the Cuneo Toursim Office Online
I’ll be back – of course!
I’ve travelled extensively this summer, with my new TIME Scylon road bike; riding races and events in Switzerland, France and Italy. Italy, however, is special for me, and the Fausto Coppi has been an event that willl ive in my memory forever.
The Granfondo La Fausto Coppi is more than a race; it’s a challenge, a festival, and a celebration of cycling in its purest form. I absolutely loved my visit and the ride into the magnificent Italian mountain roads and cycling passes! Will I be back in 2026 – of, course… won’t you!
