World Champion Peter Sagan has partnered with cycling event producer Bike Monkey to create two Gran Fondo events in California this year. The first event is slated for May 5 in Truckee, California on gravel and dirt roads near Lake Tahoe. The second event will be pavement-centered and take place on November 3. The selection process is still underway for a host city for the fall event, but this second location is expected to be finalized in spring.
Sagan will participate in activities taking place on the days before and after each event in the host communities, raising awareness and support for the King Ridge Foundation, the Specialized Foundation, and select local non-profits serving at-risk youth.
“I love California and am never there long enough. My time in the Tour of California is some of the best of my racing season,” offered Sagan. “I try to come here as often as I can. Not only does California provide some of the best roads and most beautiful scenery in the world, the warmth and friendliness of its people are second to none. I really feel at home whenever I’m there. That’s why, together with Bike Monkey, I wanted to host an on-bike party in one of my favorite parts of the world. So, join me for a ride and an unforgettable experience and remember, cycling is fun!”
“What Peter’s said to us from the start is that his ride has to help people experience some of what he loves about California: the great beauty, the challenge, the strong cycling culture,” says Carlos Perez, Bike Monkey’s founder. “We’re finding the places that best represent that and working hard to make sure Peter’s classic, fun spirit comes across in them as well.”
Unique to these rides will be the scale of the post-ride festival associated with both of them. Attendees should expect an outsize slate of music, beer, great local food, and ancillary events, all intended to be as much of a party for riders as they are for the community around them. The Truckee Tourism Business Improvement District (TTBID) has committed to hosting this event for two years, recognizing the benefits of embracing large-scale cycling events and what they mean to a healthy, vibrant mountain town.
“Truckee is a year-round destination with world class trails and a community that embraces cycling,” says Colleen Dalton, Brand Communications Director for the Truckee Chamber of Commerce. “Partnering with Bike Monkey and Peter Sagan on this event is a great fit for the culture of our Sierra Nevada town and we’re ready to roll out the red carpet for all the riders in the Sagan Fondo.”
The first of the two rides will feature a long-course distance of 67.5 miles with shorter options available, ideally suited for wide clearance cyclocross or gravel bikes. Participants should expect traffic-controlled intersections, on-bike marshals, moto officials, and SAG providing rider support. Additional details on the November ride are forthcoming and should be released later this spring.
While Bike Monkey and Sagan expect thousands of riders to attend both events, spaces at the May event will be limited to the first 1,500 registrants, with more spots available in the November event.
Registration opens on Thursday, February 15th at saganfondo.com and all event details can be found on that site.
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