Casalguidi, the locality where he resided, will host from June 12 to 14 the most anticipated event of the season: the 1st Granfondo "La Franco Ballerini" entirely dedicated to the former Champion and Technical Commissioner of the Italian National Cycling Team. The event was officially presented at Villa Cappugi.

The initiative was conceived and organized by his sons Gianmarco and Matteo, who wanted to honor their father's memory through various appointments. A special occasion that will bring tourists and supporters along the roads dear to Franco, while promoting both the sport and the Tuscan territory. "My brother and I started thinking about this project when, becoming a patient of Stefano Santerini, physiotherapist of the Italian National Cycling Team, I had the opportunity to discuss and talk with him about how important our dad was to the team — explains Matteo Ballerini — We lost him when we were very young. The void he left was indescribable, even though our mom, Sabrina, carried the weight of the family on her shoulders. With our Association we want to thank him for what he taught us and celebrate his person, both as a parent and as an athlete".

THE PROGRAM: The first day, Friday, June 12, will be dedicated to entertainment with "The Cycling Lounge": a podcast-style meeting, where many of the protagonists of the 2002 Zolder World Championship will gather to share anecdotes and curiosities about the historic victory, which saw Mario Cipollini triumph.

Saturday, June 13 focuses on young and junior cyclists. Franco Ballerini, in fact, was the first great supporter of young riders; he often visited schools and cycling teams to share the values of this beautiful sport, from education to wellness, to the sense of belonging. On the same day in the afternoon also "La Ciclostorica".

Finally, Sunday, June 14 the 1st Granfondo "La Franco Ballerini" organized by U.C. Larcianese with gathering at the sports area "Franco Ballerini" in via Forti in Casalguidi. At 8:30 a.m. the start of the race with two routes and three gravel sections. The medium route will be 78 kilometers long with a passage from Casa al Vento in front of the monument that recalls the place of the tragic death of "Ballero" named commemorative point. The long route is 117.4 km with two passages from Casa al Vento after 42 km and 800 meters and after 96 km and a half. A weekend of sport, a true international event for friends and enthusiasts who will pedal together for a common cause: the love of cycling.