The 37th edition of the Granfondo La Fausto Coppi , one of the longest-running and most popular competitive events in Italy, will kick off in Cuneo on the last weekend of June. The name pays homage to the Campionissimo , who set out from the Piedmontese city for one of his most famous feats , the Cuneo-Pinerolo stage of the 1949 Giro d'Italia.
The granfondo is sailing towards its forties, a milestone that marks full maturity, and not by chance it has become more than just a competition between amateurs. The Fausto Coppi It is now a three-day event that also includes cultural meetings, gravel, concerts, and even a half marathon. All with a strong international spirit. We talked about it with Davide Lauro, head of the organization for eighteen years.
Davide, let's start from the beginning. How did the Fausto Coppi Granfondo come about?
The Fausto Coppi is one of the longest-running granfondos in Italy . The event was founded in 87, the same year as the Maratona Dolomiti, second only to the Nove Colli, the oldest of the national granfondos. I have been at the helm of the organization for 18 years , together with my trusted colleague Emma Mana.
How has it evolved over all these years?
There's been a shift in the way granfondos are experienced in general, and those who understood this evolution early on have moved forward , adapting to market demands. The competitive approach has changed; the unbridled competitive spirit of the past is gone . If 40 or 30 years ago it was more tied to the teams that came to compete, today the Fausto Coppi has become an event that builds a community around itself.
What do you mean? It's still a competitive event, right?
Yes, but now most of those who participate are looking for a weekend of sport, fun, and entertainment . Not like in the past, where they came just to compete with a race number on their back.
And how did you move to meet these new demands?
Around the Sunday race, we've created a whole series of events that give value and identity to La Fausto Coppi . Even beyond the bike. On Friday evening, we organize a FIDAL-certified half-marathon. There are also cultural events , such as conferences, talks, book presentations, and concerts . And a wonderful food menu featuring local products.
Almost more of a cycling festival than a granfondo…
Last year we also launched thezero edition of an event gravel, which went well and which we will propose again in this edition. We called it “Fausto de Tierra”, it will be about 67 kilometers starting on Saturday morning, for a limited number of 300 participants. The event still attracts those seeking competition, of course, but also, and increasingly many visitors from all over the world who want to enjoy Cuneo for three days.
A great promotion of the area, we imagine.
We commissioned the Polytechnic University of Turin to conduct a study on the economic, environmental, and social impact of the 2025 event ; we are the only ones to have conducted such a study at the national level. The data revealed are very, very interesting. Suffice it to say that over the three days in Cuneo, a city of 50 inhabitants, the event generated almost €2 million in related activities . Furthermore, we are also certified as an Eco Event by Legambiente.
What about the number of participants?
Last year, we had 2.546 registered participants, with a total attendance of 7.812 , counting both participants and accompanying persons throughout the weekend . One thing that has always set us apart is our strong international participation. Historically, we've had up to 42 nations represented in a single edition . Some have only a single participant, like Taipei, Malaysia, and Ecuador, while others have a larger contingent. Our jersey, which all registered participants wear during the event, features the flags of every nation that has passed through here, over 80. This year, for now, we're around 30 participating countries , because due to the geopolitical situation, we're missing out on a large part of the East.
In fact, one of your unique features is having a guest country at each edition. How does this work?
We have always focused heavily on international events, investing heavily in communication in international specialized magazines. Since 2018, we have decided to dedicate the event to a nation with a significant cycling tradition . This has paved the way for a process that directly involves the Embassies in Italy, with the permanent presence of the ambassador and his staff. Having the country's leading figure here with us, available to participants, is an incredible added value. In 2026, it will be Denmark's turn , which we will promote in terms of tourism, culture, and cuisine.
An example?
An example that may seem small, but for us it is not, is that in the weeks leading up to La Fausto Coppi we will organize readings of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales in the Cuneo library for a thousand school children.
Confirmation of the impression that La Fausto Coppi is much more than a granfondo.
We strive to go beyond mere athletic performance , of course, to constantly innovate. And the results are there. This year, attendance increased by 20 percent compared to last year, and registration is still open . This is something we can only be proud of.
