On August 25^th, 2012, the NetApp team participated in the inaugural 100km Banff Gran Fondo (Banff, Alberta, Canada) with clients and partners which resulted in great success. While golf has often been utilized as a business tool in the past, cycling has recently picked up momentum as a great way to engage customers in order to advance relationships. Cycling in a Gran Fondo can help participants expand networks, establish an image as a team member, and build relationships and trust more effectively than most other activities. The Gran Fondo category is a full event at a self-set pace for recreational to advanced riders, which allows for participants of many calibers. Since Gran Fondos are amateur rides, they tend to be laid-back affairs, which make for a great time to bond with other participants. These races also represent a physical challenge so the  chances of bonding and getting to know customers is higher. With these long events, the post-race celebrations and social gatherings surrounding the events, cycling creates a great opportunity to entertain business partners and clients, while ensuring that they have a good time.

Benny Cifelli, Regional District Manager - Canada West, NetApp Canada