It is a big comeback, and a much expected one: the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi has already found its spot  in 2014 calendar, and on Sunday, May 4th in Bergamo, Italy, fans and athletes will gather around icon Felice Gimondi for the 18th edition. After an off-year due to impracticable roads, the Province of Bergamo gave the green light on the refurnished route just a few days ago.
After the clearing by the Province, the organizers were able to keep unchanged the three classic routes (short 89.4 km, medium 128.8 km, long 162.1 km) that emphasize the beauty of the most charming locations in the Bergamo area.
An absolute novelty for 2014, no deposit will be required to rent the race timing TDS chip, as it  becomes disposable: it will be inserted into the front race number, and it will be valid for the 18th edition of the Gran Fondo Internazionale Felice Gimondi only, so riders will be able to keep and conserve it along with the number after the race.
In the last edition to date, in May 2012, the GF Felice Gimondi recorded 3,000 participants(2,993, exactly), despite the unfavorable weather conditions. The historical record of participants was achieved in 2007, with no less than 4,870 registered athletes. Generally speaking, from 1996 to date, over 70,000 riders from all over Europe have honored and loved this event, whose popularity relies on top-class organization, spectacular routes and perfect safety provisions guaranteed by GMS, managed by Giuseppe Manenti.
Registrations for 2014 GF Felice Gimondi will be opened tomorrow, Tuesday December 17th, and can be filed (after filling the enrollment form):
- by credit card, through the online application system accessible from new official website www.felicegimondi.com. The payment of the enrolment feel will be contextual.
- Through payment on post office checking account no. 23263270, registered to G.M.S.asd- Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo, mentioning in the motive the athletes’ information and sending a copy of the payment receipt – along with the enrolment form – via snail mail (G.M.S. asd – Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo – Italy), telefax (+39 035 422797) or email (info@felicegimondi.com).
- Through wire transfer to bank checking account: Credito Bergamasco – IBAN: IT35A0 333611 101000000026 564  (SWIFT code: CREBIT 22) registered to G.M.S.asd – Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo, mentioning in the motive the athletes’ information and sending a copy of the payment receipt – along with the enrolment form – via snail mail (G.M.S. asd – Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo – Italy), telefax (+39 035 422797) or email (info@felicegimondi.com).
- At G.M.S. offices: Via G. Da Campione, 24/c – 24124 Bergamo (tel. +39 035.211721 – fax + 39 035.4227971).
Bergamo (Italy), December 16th, 2013
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.