After the 1976 edition (dominated by Roger de Vlaeminck) and 2000 (Gilberto Simoni’s triumph), for the third time in its more than one hundred year history, the Giro dell’Emilia Granarolo will start from the city of Carpi.
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From the majestic Piazza dei Martiri, a city circuit of 4.3 km is covered, a first time at a controlled pace, then twice in the race, with a first flying finish line at the end of the second round. Leave the city center to head towards Sorbara and Bomporto to continue towards Nonantola, where the second TV of the day will be placed, after a 33.2 km run and then proceed towards Castelfranco Emilia. At Ponte Samoggia, leave the SS 9 to reach Monteveglio, to tackle the third sprint at the Montevecchio ham factory (km 62.1). Leaving the plain behind, we pass through Zappolino before reaching Savigno, renowned for its prized white truffle. Until now, the road climbs gently following the valley floor of the Samoggia stream. But after 81.5 km of running, the first climb of the day approaches, which in 5.4 km (average gradient 6.3%) will take the runners to the Ca ‘Bortolani locality, where the first GPM will also be located, at km 86.9 of the race. You will remain at high altitude for a few km, crossing Tolè and some ups and downs, until you reach Cereglio, where a long and fast descent will begin. You reach the Reno valley floor by crossing Vergato, to merge onto the SS 64 Porrettana, after a 106.1 km run.
Continue on the state road to reach Marzabotto; but right at the exit of the town, the Luminasio ascent looms, confirmed after last year’s experience. This is one of the most iconic climbs on the Bolognese hills: the most demanding segment measures a total of 5 km and has an average gradient of around 10%, but with some sections reaching 18% of maximum gradient. After the most demanding stretch, first a slight slope, then a short steep descent, they lead to the last short ramp, at the top of which you will find the second finish line valid as a GPM, at the castle of Medelana (altitude 670 m. After 127 , 4 km).
After passing Mongardino, the descent becomes easier, until you reach the road at the bottom of the valley which leads to Calderino with fast straights.
It is therefore time for the fourth flying finish line, after 143.7 km, located at the Parco dei Ciliegi restaurant. The road always continues in live descent, certainly favoring a very high pace of the runners, who, having passed the last TV of the day dedicated to Franco Raimondi (km 147.5), will very quickly reach the western outskirts of Bologna, passing alongside of the Ducati Motors factory. The passage to Porta Saragozza and the Arco del Meloncello lead to the beginning, after 159.3 km of running, the first of the 5 climbs along the longest and, probably, the most beautiful portico in the world, which it obtained last year from Unesco the extraordinary recognition as a World Heritage Site.
The first step on the finish line comes after 161.5 km. At the finish there will be 4 laps missing, for a total of 37.2 km, and it will certainly be in these km, now famous and well known to all, that the decisive action will develop, from which the champion will emerge who will raise his arms to the sky after 198 , 7 km of running and about 2,900 meters of total altitude difference.
