Gran Piemonte

It’s such an itinerant race that its change to the month of August, as a result of the post-pandemic calendar, doesn’t alter its spirit. The Gran Piemonte remains in 2020, as in its original slot in October, the final prelude to Il Lombardia, and as such it’s again this year a demanding course, even if more inclined to riders not specialized on long climbs than the ‘Classic of the Falling Leaves’.

The 2020 course includes a final circuit in the ‘wine hills’ of Langhe around Barolo, with three main climbs to be covered three times each. The ascent to Monforte d’Alba -long and gentle-; and La Morra, with 4km at 5%; preceed the finish at Barolo’s Piazza Cabutto, with 1km at 5% and a maximum 9% before a flat last straight. Tougher sprinters, punchy climbers and classics specialists should all have a chance here.