The Fondo Explained

An endurance challenge for the masses, a fondo is a giant party on wheels where cyclists compete against the clock and each other. Much like a marathon, fondo participation can swell into the thousands. The size keeps spirits up making each event an epic group ride.

The first Gran Fondo ever held was Nove Colli on July 12, 1970 in Cesenatico, Italy. Today, Nove Colli is perhaps Italy’s biggest cycling party with a large 2-day event and 12,000 riders taking on three distances (80km, 120km and 200km). Roads are typically shut down to mark the route. Cyclists crossing the finish line are greeted with festive meals, likely including bottomless bowls of pasta.

Zwift Fondos are our version, where hundreds gather to ride and climb over a great many miles. Our first was held last March for Australian cyclists, with the Maratona Dolomites Fondo as partner. Over 1,800 people showed up, raising the stakes for what’s next.

The Zwift Fondo Series kicked off again in partnership with Canyon on Nov 19th and runs monthly until March. UK and North America cyclists who complete 3 of 5 workouts are entered to win a Canyon bike. Zwift Fondos are open to all – if you can pedal, you can participate – but you’re on your own when it comes to victory spaghetti.