Plymouth welcomes back Gran Fondo cycling event... Twice!

It is nearly time for the eagerly anticipated year two of The Plymouth Gran Fondo, mass participation cycling event.

The 2016 event has a new waterfront city centre location, a new ride and two event dates, headlining a summer of cycling in Plymouth.

The 2016 Plymouth Gran Fondo hosted by Rockets & Rascals at Royal William Yard, supported by Urban Splash, promises an improved experience for its riders. After the success of the 2015 event attracting 1500 riders from across the UK, this years event has been divided into four rides which will be staggered over two events the first in May followed by the second in September.

Event Partner Urban Splash’s Emily Handslip spoke about the partnership: “Urban Splash is delighted to be part of this year’s Plymouth Gran Fondo, building a sustainable and active community is at the centre of what we do and Plymouth Gran Fondo is a perfect event for us to be part of. We’re looking forward to welcoming riders and their families to the event at Royal William Yard."

The choice to create two events came to fruition after 100 mile event organiser Jim Pascoe suffered a knee injury resulting in surgery earlier this year. The 100 mile Gran Fondo ride had to be postponed until September to allow him time to recover.

Piccolo and Medio event organiser Steve Toze will still host The Piccolo ride in May and has routed a new 70 mile technical ride named The Settanta for riders who would like a challenge. A mix of beginner and technical rides the two event dates and ride format will attract both novice and sportive riders alike.

Sunday 22nd May - Piccolo and Settanta Rides

May welcomes back the familiar Piccolo (40 miles) and introduces the new for 2016 Settanta (70 miles). A winning combination these rides are perfect for all levels of rider and currently we are expecting somewhere in the region of 500 + riders to Plymouth for the May event.

Sunday 18th September - Gran Fondo and Medio Rides

September will host the Gran Fondo (100 miles) and the Medio (77miles), longer rides, this event will offer technical rides for cyclists that want a challenge. The new date allows late entrants to join the event with plenty of time to train over the summer months

Event organisers Jim Pascoe and Steve Toze are delighted to be running the event for a second year after last years success. Hosting the events at Royal William Yard with Urban Splash is a great way to show riders another part of Plymouth’s waterfront and should promise some exciting pre and post event entertainment for the riders and their families at both events.

Jim Pascoe, Event Director Spike Sports commented:  “It’s fantastic to be bringing The Plymouth Gran Fondo back for a second year. The idea of the weekend last year was to showcase the area to riders of all abilities, we had such a great response from the riders who really enjoyed the variation of riding terrain. It’s unfortunate that due to my injury we have had to postpone the 100 mile ride, but the new event format is already having a good response from the riders, who have been really understanding and supportive. Once again we have teamed up with the National Trust and Destination Plymouth alongside new sponsor Urban Splash to ensure that the riding is of the highest quality and that there is plenty for friends and family to do.”

Steve Toze,  Owner Rockets & Rascals Bicycle Emporium based in Sutton Harbour, said:  “Last years Plymouth Gran Fondo was a great event to be part of, the vibe of 1500 cyclists starting and finishing an event in the city was fantastic. The South West is a beautiful place, and cyclists can look forward to four rides that will be the highlight of the cycling calendar. I am really excited to be organising the new Settanta ride and hope the riders enjoy it as much as we do.

"Our new location should mean lots of fun in the build up to the event and a really exciting village atmosphere with mini races, a warm up Rocket Ride and even boats to Cornwall from the Royal William Yards harbour for spectators to catch a glimpse of the riders on the route. We are also excited to opening a new pop-up Rockets and Rascals in the yard for the summer which will become our Plymouth Gran Fondo HQ during the events.”