There are two possible modes of starting; Alla Francese which means starting anytime between 0630 and 0730 and the popular massed start at 0800. The course is very well signposted, including the division of routes which takes place about 15k into the event. his year as usual I did the long (‘lungo’ course), the massed start is usually fast and edgy, averaging about 27mph until the first climb. Since I was lacking race fitness I decided to let the bunch go and ascend at my own pace. As usual I found a few similarly-paced cyclists and worked with them. Continued >

The Gran Fondo dei Sibillini is held annually in the Marche region of Italy - roughly in the middle of the country. There are two courses; a short and a long. Normally the long route traverses the famous alpine flowers at Castellucio but this year there was a major route change which ascended the fearsome Sasso Tetto climb, with gradients up to 14% and with some sections averaging at 10%.

What’s so great about the GF Siblillini? Firstly, it is excellent value at €25 (€30 if you pay after 1 June). For that you get the following:

• Partly closed roads (first 5K) and elsewhere marshalls at every junctions on the route, giving cyclists priority
• Mechanical support and ambulances, should you be unlucky to need them
• Regular refreshment stations with water, juice and fruit (no energy bars so bring your own)
• A ‘gadget’ (this year being a towelling bath robe; last year was a winter padded jacket)
• Pasta party with wine at the end

If you want electronic timing, it costs an additional €5 to hire the device which you pay at registration