The 52nd edition of Granfondo Matildica in Reggio Emilia, Italy, was the first event of the 2025 qualifying calendar and the ultimate preparation for the World Championships of next week in Denmark.
In the men’s race, Alberto Nardin, a rider from the youngest category, secured a dominant victory with a 4-minute and 44-second lead over Danilo Celano. Celano, in turn, won his 35-39 age group by outsprinting seven other riders. Matteo Freddi completed the Italian podium.
The women’s race over the same 155km distance saw Giulia Medri take an early lead but was eventually caught by Giulia Bisso in the final kilometres. A sprint finish ensued, with Bisso emerging victorious over Medri. Eva Pigna secured third place, outsprinting Lisa De Cesara.
In the shorter 119km race, which served as a qualifier for riders over 50, Stefano Colagé impressed by outperforming many younger competitors. Fulvia Scardovi claimed the overall win in the women’s over-50 categories.
Granfondo Matildica marked the first qualifying event for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, set to take place in Australia.
