Bento Gonçalves has the largest and most equipped expo center in Rio Grande do Sul, the Fundaparque, which hosts international events like Movelsul, Fimma, Fiema, ExpoBento, and is also your host for GFNY Bento Goncalves race week activities. Get ready for fun activities like photo walls, beer garden, group rides, information sessions, music and the pre-race expo.

 

The race starts and finishes next to the Fundaparque and makes a 75km loop to the east and south. You’ll start with a 3km descent and then start 10km of climbing, which is a gradual climb, but also has steep sections of 8-10%. You’ll descend 3km again, and then have a 3km climb into the village of Caravaggio. 

 

From Caravaggio, you will ride along a 40km stretch of rolling hills, which will be quick and fun with your peloton. You’ll be traveling on tranquil countryside roads along this loop, but also pass through cities like Farroupilha, Carlos Barbosa and Garibaldi. After Garibaldi, the rolling hills continue, but they become longer and stepper, 2-4km climbs followed by similar descents. Here is where the groups will start to splinter.

 

As the loop comes to an end, you will have to make your decision to continue cycling the long course by turning left for a loop through the stunning Vale dos Vinhedos or head to the finish line of the medium route.

 

The loop to the west is is 60km and travels through the heart of the Bento Goncalves wine region, with vineyard-covered hills, Mediterranean-style buildings, small shops, historic cobble sections and breathtaking scenery. The loop covers the entire length of the famous Vale dos Vinhedos. But with great beauty also comes great challenge. The loop has many steep climbs of 8-16% which are 1-4km long. When you reach the western-most part of the loop, you’ll navigate a steep descent into Santa Tereza and then take on the longest climb of the day: 12km and 4% average. A few more steep climbs will await you to close this challenging loop.

 

Once you complete the loop, it’s a fast, flat final 5km to the finish line where the day started. Come to Fundaparque to receive your medal, post-race meal and celebrate your finish and the special achievement with your cycling group, friends and family.