Gran Fondo del Vulture

Granfondo del Vulture begins in Piazza XX Settembre in Rionero in Vulture, located in the Vulture-Melfese area of Potenza province, Basilicata. This road cycling granfondo is for cycle tourists and amateur riders registered with the Italian Cycling Federation or equivalent national bodies. It is organized annually by the Rionero amateur cycling club, Il Velocifero. The event was established in 2003 with approximately 600 participants, a number that has generally been maintained. Riders typically come from various Italian regions, with a few international participants. The routes traverse towns in the Vulture-Melfese region, including Atella, Barile, Rapolla, Melfi, Ripacandida, Venosa, Lavello, Filiano, Ruvo del Monte, and San Fele, with variations by edition. Recent routes have featured long, medium, and shorter options for cyclotourists. The most challenging climbs include Valico dei Laghi di Monticchio, Valico La Croce, Passo delle Crocelle, and Valico di Monte Carruozzo. These climbs received additional recognition after being included in the Giro d’Italia, offering amateur riders the opportunity to cycle on roads recently used by professionals. The participants are predominantly Italian club and amateur cyclists, and Domenico Pozzovivo has attended as a special guest in some years.