Trek – The American company leading the world in manufacturing and distributing bicycles – is announced as the Presenting Sponsor of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, which will be held on Sunday 6 March, starting and finishing in Siena.

Fabian Cancellara and his Trek - Segafredo team mates, who are riding the pro race on Saturday 5 March, will be at the start of the Gran Fondo, ready to ride alongside the other sportive participants.

“Spartacus” Cancellara said to all the fans: “The Strade Bianche weekend is one of my favourite weekends in the spring. It’s one of the races I really look forward to. I think it’s great that amateur riders can enjoy the same experience as the pros because the scenery is just stunning. Trek Italy is committed to the Gran Fondo and the team and this year, we will also take the start of the Grand Fondo, which will be quite special for us.

“On March 5 I’ll try to win Strade Bianche for a third time and then on March 6th I’ll be with Trek Italia at the start of the Gran Fondo and I’ll try to ride will you. Train hard because I’ll be there…”

There are two routes available, both starting and finishing in Siena. The long route is the same as the professional Women Élite race: a twisty and undulating course, with no long climbs but with punchy hills, in particular on the famous unpaved sections. The short route is the same up until Murlo, where it turns right, followed by a descend to Monteroni d’Arbia. The final kilometres are the same for both courses, identical to the pro races.