2018 Rollfast International Gran Fondo – Ride Report
For Immediate Release:
October 17, 2018
Contact: Matt Tanner
matt@rollfastcycling.com
ROLLFAST INTERNATIONAL GRAN FONDO BUILDS ON MOMENTUM
CARMEL, INDIANA – It’s been one month since the dust settled from the Rollfast International Gran Fondo. While the weather is finally turning to fall (and feels like winter) here in Indiana, the temps were warm and humid on Fondo day.
With a cap at 500 riders, the event quickly sold out this year. In addition to the expected fast roads and protected intersections, event organizers added a primo staging gate for those qualified riders looking to achieve the Sub4 Challenge. Moto support including water hand ups to the front group made the event a stand out ride for many. “2018 was our most successful event ever!” stated Rollfast co-founder Christine Burd Tanner.
Tom Danielson and the CINCH team made a pact to try and get as many riders into the finish under four hours as possible. Riders that accomplish this are awarded a finisher belt buckle for completing the Sub4 Challenge. Tom Danielson explained his strategy, “We had a goal and put our 6 strongest riders on the front to sacrifice their day for the group. They held a steady and fast pace making it easier for those in the peloton. Even though not all of the team finished Sub4, it was a huge feeling of accomplishment knowing we pulled 80+ of the 100 miles with our guys. This was like a true Pro Tour or Tour de France stage where a team is working to control the race.”.
Warm conditions with an added uncommon headwind finish made for some of the toughest conditions ever experienced in the event’s six year history. Director Matt Tanner said “I went out with CINCH to pull as long as I could. It was a hard day for sure. We were easily on pace when I pulled out and I think we would have set a new course record if the conditions were like previous years. There is usually a tailwind for the last 15-20 miles!”.
GOING GLOBAL
The Rollfast Fondo has made a push to pull more riders from abroad in 2018. The majority of participants are out-of-state riders and many have come from overseas.
Matt Tanner was excited about the recent attention the Fondo has gained on the global level. “Adding the Gran Fondo World Tour to our event was a big step in recognizing this is an international event. People are discovering Carmel, Indiana and it’s top ranked amenities including some of the greatest cycling roads in America.”
The 2019 Rollfast International Gran Fondo is already in the planning. Registration is open at: https://rollfast.us/rollfast-cycling/rollfast-gran-fondo/rollfast-fondo-registration/
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