CYCLING: Granfondo San Gottardo (SUI)

Switzerland 21.07.2024

Source: https://en.granfondosangottardo.com and https://www.instagram.com/granfondosangottardo/

Experience one of the most famous pass roads in Switzerland: the historic Tremola. 

You can choose between two route lengths: short and sweet over 52 kilometres or
long and epic with 115 kilometres over the Gotthard, Furka and Nufenen passes.

The short one: 52 km

Timekeeping will take place on two sections:

on the ascent to the Gotthard Pass and on the ascent from Madrano to Ronco (Cresta).

Ambrì: the start

The start takes place in Ambrì and after the transfer to Airolo, the ascent to the Gotthard Pass begins via the Tremola. The old road is a masterpiece of engineering and still retains much of its original paving from 1800.

The difference in altitude of 932 metres and the average gradient of 7.4% allow all cyclists to reach their full potential. Its spectacular nature is due to the cobbles that have earned it the name “Paris-Roubaix of the Alps”. The uniqueness of the landscape makes it a must do for all cyclists.

The climb to Altanca

After the Gotthard pass, the descent goes back to the village of Airolo and then on to Madrano. The second measured climb starts at 1200 m.a.s.l. and has a gradient of 5% to 8%. After the hairpin bends of Madrano and the arrival in Brugnasco, the gradients become stable and quite flat. On arrival in Altanca, the efforts are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Leventina valley.

​Finish in style

After the village of Altanca, the road flattens out and the descent begins, giving you time to admire the beautiful panorama of the entire region. The finish is in Ronco (Cresta), at 1418 m.a.s.l.. Then the descent begins, leading back to Ambrì to the finish.

The long one: 115 km

Timekeeping will take place on the climbs to the Gotthard Pass, Furka Pass and Nufenen Pass.

Ambrì: the start

From Ambrì you head to Airolo, where the climb to the Gotthard Pass begins on the old Tremola road, which with its countless hairpin bends in granite cobbles climbs to 2106 meters, the top of the pass; the efforts are rewarded with the view of one of the most impressive panoramas of the Swiss Alps.

The ascent to Furka

After Andermatt, it’s time to tackle the Furka Pass. Switzerland’s highest Alpine pass challenges the most daring cyclists with hairpin bends and majestic mountains, revealing views of the Rhone glacier, the Galenstock ridge and the 4000-meter peaks of the icy Bernese Oberland.

The climb to Nufenen

After the descent to Oberwald, all efforts are concentrated on the last steep ascent to the Nufenen pass. The Nufenen is a tough one, but impresses with the spectacle of varied nature.

Finishing in style

The way to the finish line becomes shorter and shorter: through the lush meadows of the Bedretto Valley and the village of Airolo, the race finally reaches the finish area at the Valascia race course in Ambrì.

115 km of hard work, with an altitude difference of 3300 m and 40 km of ascent, run amidst breathtaking nature, between magnificent coniferous forests, majestic valleys and imposing peaks that are always covered in snow.

https://my.raceresult.com/257273/registration