One thing to be aware of with Gran Fondos in the Veneto area is the presence of the Pinarello Tinky Ladies cycling team.
This is about 30 women headed up by Carla Pinarello and very evident at the Pinarello sportive in July.
Born out of the main Pinarello team in 2008 the Tinky women’s cycling team go to many other local sportives and venture abroad for training trips and have a lot of fun whilst participating.
This is the team that shouted "Bravissimo" at me as I sprinted to the line of the Pinarello GF!
Get a taste of their activities via their Facebook page.