| For everyday riders like us there are two kinds of licenses available, cicloamatore (competitive) and cicloturista (touring). The former entitles a cyclist to enter any kind of race (road, 'cross, track, MTB), as well as gran fondos of any distance (he or she will be timed and placed in the classification), and touring events. Holders of cicloturista licenses are permitted to enter touring rides and competitions, and are permitted to ride the short courses of gran fondos. In some cases cicloturisti may not be timed or appear in the GC. (Note: although a gran fondo is by nature over 160 km long, the term is sometimes used loosely and applied to rides of a shorter distance. See the Granfondo and Organized Rides section for more about this topic). Obtaining a competitive license requires a physical exam by a sports medicine specialist, including a stress test done on a computerized stationary bike. A tourist license requires only a certificate from the cyclist's regular doctor. The license also provides the holder with supplementary medical insurance which covers him/her even while he is training--as long as he's wearing a helmet. Some people take out a license just for this reason. | 
