“Granfondo” — A Brand-New Way of Outdoor Travel
Today, as self-driving tours become increasingly popular, more and more of us gather in small groups during holidays to visit scenic spots, only to find the experiences so monotonous. In this era that celebrates individuality, isn’t such travel a bit dull?
On a broader level, given the reality of smog and pollution, each of us who is deeply affected has the responsibility and duty to protect our surroundings. As a result, low-carbon travel, clean energy, and advocacy for green environmentalism have become a trend, a vanguard, and an attitude.
As a result, healthy activities like cycling and hiking have gradually gained popularity. Against this backdrop, “Granfondo” — an innovative model that perfectly combines in-depth tourism with fitness, and custom entertainment with mass sports — was born.
“Granfondo” comes from the Italian word “Granfondo,” which originally means “a long distance” or “great perseverance.” It has always been a term exclusive to long-distance cycling events, often referred to as the marathon of the cycling world. As a competition, the Granfondo cycling race emphasizes challenge — or more precisely, the personal challenge each rider faces.
But today, as an event innovatively introduced to China by Shanghai Olympic Sports, Granfondo is no longer just a simple race. More importantly, it aims to build an ecosystem based on sports and tourism through this event format. This allows more and higher-quality tourism resources to be presented through deeper exploration, offering a healthier leisure style through sports and entertainment.
Want to understand the true meaning of Granfondo? Join us on a journey to free your soul.
On July 17–18, 2015, the Skoda HEROS Huangshan Granfondo kicked off amid refreshing coolness. This was a new experience of Granfondo — the traditional race was still present, but for all participants, equipment and ability were not the most important factors. With the specially lowered entry threshold, the event brought more participation and fun.
Competition is something we urbanites are used to, and its absence can even feel unfamiliar. But at Granfondo, playful competition lets every participant gain a lot — perhaps winning the race, perhaps winning over oneself, but more often, winning happiness or even love. This entertaining competition allows city dwellers to participate, earn recognition, find satisfaction, and enjoy social interaction. It helps them forget the busyness, worries, and loneliness. Isn’t this the release of the soul we’re seeking?
Beyond the race, Granfondo focuses more on the deep exploration of quality tourism resources. Traditional travel often misses many scenic views when driving, and walking adds to the fatigue. The joy of Granfondo lies in having the most beautiful routes designed for you — you just need a bicycle and a calm, peaceful heart to savor the journey. Stop wherever you find beauty and let your soul relax to the fullest. Along the way, you’ll discover many beauties you usually overlook and explore the hidden mysteries of the scenic spots with greater interest. Isn’t that a kind of spirit? Then, when you’re ready to continue your journey, you’ll find many companions around you, traveling and enjoying together. Isn’t this the true essence of travel?
During the Huangshan Granfondo, Yixian County — a historic city with over 2,000 years of history and home to two World Heritage Sites, Xidi and Hongcun — was highlighted under the spotlight of Granfondo. Scenic spots such as Pingshan, Xiuli Film Village, Sai Jinhua’s Former Residence, Hongcun, Xidi, and Daguling were strung together like beautiful pearls waiting to be admired. Additionally, the majestic, verdant, and tranquil beauty of the Huangshan Mountain Range that connects them can only be truly appreciated through careful exploration along the route. Especially, the rich “Huizhou Merchant Culture” conveyed by every residence and building in Yixian left a profound impression on every participant.
After the excitement of the race and the thrill of cycling, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the local delicacies. Of course, this is also one of the purposes of traveling. You don’t need to worry about which restaurant is good or whether the food is authentic — because Granfondo has already prepared the guide for you. All you need to do is sit down and enjoy the feast. Isn’t that wonderful?
Sports, scenic beauty, and delicious food — think that’s enough? Think again. Granfondo offers much more. The latest trendy games, the coolest activities, hot girls, stylish guys, music parties, and beer nights. Still not thoroughly releasing yourself tonight? NO WAY!
This is the holiday you want. This is the travel you need. This is the Granfondo we offer you!
An Upgraded Version of the “4+2” Green Lifestyle
“4+2” is a green travel method actively advocated in recent years, representing the shift from four-wheeled urban vehicles to the two-wheeled, green and healthy lifestyle — a reflection of a life attitude. Granfondo is an upgraded version of “4+2” and a new innovative model for in-depth tourism. The main sponsor of this event — Shanghai Volkswagen Skoda — has been actively promoting and practicing this lifestyle. For this Granfondo, Shanghai Volkswagen Skoda organized a team of nearly 30 car enthusiasts to participate. After the event, one participant said that what Granfondo brought him went far beyond the race itself. It taught him to slow down, to observe the natural environment we live in from a new perspective, and to learn to cherish!
Perhaps this is the real meaning of Granfondo — allowing everyone to live in a healthier way and enabling every lifestyle to convey the blessings of nature!
Come on, let’s all join the Granfondo together.