Gran Fondo Di Roma part 1

With about 10 days to go until it's time for the Gran Fondo di Roma, Jon- the guy I'll be riding with- planted a little seed of doubt into my head....

"do we need medical certs?"

"I dunno... do we?"

And if you check out their rules and regs, it's really not very clear-


Open to all adult male and female riders with a 2012 valid FCI (Federazione Ciclistica Italiana – Italian Cycling Federation), UDACE license and foreign riders in possession of a valid national 2012 license.

The event is also open to all cycling tourists between 15 - 18 years and over 64 who are entitled only for the classic course, 99 km.

For the non licensed there will be the possibility to buy a one day FCI license, for Euro 15,00, valid for a global responsibility and personal insurance for the whole event. This license can be handed out only after having showed a valid medical certification for agonistic races (for the 154 km Route) or a medical certification of good health (for the Classic Route 99 km).

and

Signature
With the online sending of the enrolment form, the participant declares being in possession of the medical certificate according to the Italian D.M.V. 18/02/1982, of the license, of private accident insurance, general third party liability insurance. Furthermore the participant declares having read and unconditionally accepted the above mentioned instructions and declares to accepting them in each point. The participant authorizes the use of his images and datas according to the Italian privacy law no. 196 of 2003

so there you have it. I rang British Cycling who were not very helpful as each event [abroad] can vary and also vary in classification as an event or competition. In the UK, a sportive (or GranFondo) is classed as a non competitive event. Doesn't really clarify anything does it!

So, to comply with the rules what have we done? Well, upped our BC membership to Silver so we at least have a provisional race licence; been to the GP and got a medical certificate signed and stamped (a word of warning here- book an appointment with your GP and ask him/her. Do not hand the form in to the receptionist as you will possibly be charged. My GP signed this without charge as I spoke direct to him); emailed the event organisers for clarification on exactly what we need to bring from the UK and if a BC prov licence is acceptable.

We probably won't need any of this and will sail through the sign in procedure. When I cycled in events in Switzerland and America, I wasn't asked to show anything. I kind of expect the same to happen here. The only reason we are more cautious is that Jon, last year, came off his bike on an event, so he's a little bit more cautious. Fair enough, and we aint getting any younger! hahaha!

Watch this space. If more information materialises, I'll report back!

BUT...

before then, there is the Cat and Fiddle to ride this Sunday!