Zappi’s Gran Fondo, now in its third year, continues to ride the wave of success that engulfed the first and second events and takes the sportive to even greater heights.

In 2014, the club’s largest event of the year will feature two circuits of 60 or 115 miles, taking in the club’s favourite and breathtaking roads in the Cotswolds – including the iconic Fish Hill.

The event will be held on Sunday 31 August, starting and finishing at the newly-built pavilion in Long Hanborough, only 10 miles from Oxford City Centre. This new purpose-built facility is situated perfectly for cycling out into the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, right on the edge of the Cotswolds.

The routes have been designed for cyclists by cyclists, including some of the most popular roads and climbs favoured by members of the Zappi's Cycling Club. We cater to all levels and abilities, and our new event headquarters offers some great amenities and support, including changing rooms, showers, hot food and a post-ride massage.

The Gran Fondo is the brainchild of former Italian pro-cyclist, Flavio Zappi. If you live and cycle in Oxfordshire you will have seen him out and about, or maybe visited Zappi’s Café at Bikezone in the centre of Oxford.

Zappi explained this year’s event: “After the last year’s successes for the club, the Fondo and the Pro Team, it’s a great opportunity to show people how fantastic and welcoming the club is.”

Sponsors for this year’s event include Clif Bars and Infinity Wholefoods, who will be supplying our feed stations and goody bags after the event. More event partners will be announced over the coming months to make the event truly Italian in both taste and atmosphere.

The event is being run in close coordination with the local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of participants is kept to the highest possible level.

For more information please visit www.zappisgranfondo.com