---
aliases: ["Spring Gran Fondo 2024"]
Is A: Project
Belongs to: "[[24q2]]"
Advances: "[[responsibility-health-fitness]]"
Status: Done
Owner: "[[person-luca-rossi]]"
---
# Spring Gran Fondo 2024

## Overview

This was the first of two target events for 2024, as planned in [[24q1-plan-cycling-season]]. The Granfondo di Varese — 130km with 2,200m of elevation gain — served as both a fitness benchmark and a motivational milestone for the spring training block. The event was scheduled for late May, giving a solid 12-week build phase from March through mid-May.

Preparation included structured interval training (3 sessions/week), long weekend rides (4-5 hours), and two recon rides on sections of the actual course. The goal was not to race competitively but to complete the full route in under 5 hours and 30 minutes, maintaining good form throughout. This project directly advanced [[2024-complete-two-gran-fondos]].

## Goals

- Complete the Granfondo di Varese full route (130km, 2,200m elevation) in under 5:30
- Execute the 12-week build training plan with at least 80% adherence
- Complete two course recon rides to familiarize with key climbs and descents
- Maintain race weight (72kg) through the build phase
- Log all training data for post-event analysis via [[measure-cycling-km-per-month]]

## Key decisions

- **Full route, not the medio.** The event offered a 90km "medio" option. Chose the full 130km because the training plan was designed for it, and the shorter route would not provide a meaningful fitness test. If the legs failed on race day, it would be better to know that at full distance.
- **Conservative pacing strategy.** Rather than going hard on the first climb (which is where most amateurs blow up), planned to ride the first 60km at 75% of threshold power and increase effort in the second half. This negative-split approach is less exciting but far more reliable.
- **No travel the day before.** Drove to Varese two days before the event to avoid travel fatigue. Stayed at a simple hotel near the start line. The extra cost was worth the better sleep and relaxed morning.

## Notes

- Finished in 5:17, which was well within the target. The conservative pacing strategy worked perfectly — felt strong on the final climb while many riders around were walking. Negative split confirmed: second half was 3 minutes faster than the first.
- Training adherence was about 85%, which was above target. The two weeks lost to a mild cold in April were compensated by extending the build phase slightly and cutting one recovery week short.
- [[person-paco-furiani]] rode the event as well and finished about 20 minutes ahead. His feedback on nutrition strategy (eating every 30 minutes from the start, not waiting until hungry) was a game-changer. Applied the same approach going forward.
- Biggest lesson: the mental game matters more than fitness above a certain threshold. The climbs at km 90-110 were physically manageable but mentally draining. Having a clear pacing target on the bike computer helped maintain focus.
- Post-event recovery took about 10 days before training resumed. This feeds into preparation for the autumn event, which was later scoped as a separate project.
