The Granfondo Pinarello and Marca Trevigiana were born in 1997, thought up by a tight group of friends of Giovanni Pinarello – the popular "black jersey" Trevigiano (Treviso local). The idea was to institute a Granfondo of high importance, in the Province of Treviso.
At the same time, celebrate the birthday of "Nani" in the month of July! These together created the driving force behind creating and planning the amateur cycling event of the year.

The Organising Committee to date has taken this idea, using the strength and experience of several companies of the Marca Trevignana, in order to organise this important amateur cycling event. The Granfondo Pinarello is today known throughout Italy and overseas, a true test in itself: in a small period of time, they were able join with local cycling groups and clubs to co-ordinate the race program.

The first edition took place on 20th July 1997, with almost 2000 participant athletes, accompanied by the Spanish Road Cycling Champion Miguel Indurain, who returned to the saddle after retiring from racing in 1996.
Indurain's attendance was meaningful, as it demonstrated the friendship between himself and the Pinarello family, as well as his affection for the many fans, who travelled to Treviso in order to see him in person. Indurain has since attended all editions of the Granfondo Pinarello, except for that of the year 2000, confirming the champion's appreciation and affection for his many fans.

Beside the Navarro, several professional cyclists and champions, from many other sports, attempted the first edition of the Trevignana.
Two distances were offered: 133 and 183 kilometres, which crossed the sweet hills of the Trevignano area (Asolo, Montello, Combai) and the challenging climbs of Mt. Cesen and Valdobbiadene.

The following editions included some modifications to the race distances, stretching up to the Province of Belluno and facing the tough climb of Nevegàl.
The long course had now reached to over 200km and the medium approximately 130km. Though at the same time, registrations grew from: 2,000 in 1997, to 2,500 in 1998, 2,800 in 1999 and up to 3,200 in the year 2000.
In the year 2001, confirmed attendances from those in the previous years, saw the registrations jump to 3,300, with a substantial increase in participants from Germany, England, Austria and other European countries.

Further changes to the route and its distances took place in 2004 and 2005, adding more character to the Granfondo Pinarello, touching the feet of the Trevignana mountains, with the aim to introduce riders to the more characteristic landscapes of the Marca: including Cansiglio, the hills of Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto and the antique villages of the Trevignano farmlands.
Registration rates were still on the increase with over 3600 in the year 2004, with almost 50% coming from regions outside of the region, showing considerable interest for the event.

In 2005, the record was broken yet again, with over 3850 entering the Granfondo and 400 for the Granfondo Gourmet.
An ocean of over 4000 cyclists invaded Treviso with numerous foreigners, including Australians, Japanese and Americans amongst them.
The 2005 course partially covered the same route of first edition in 1997, scaling Mt. Cesen (Madean), whilst offering cyclists the new short, yet steep climb of Mt. Tomba (entering from Alano di Piave).
An 160km challenging and engaging ride, along with the foggy surreal climate, not typical for this time of year, that riders found at the peak of Mt. Cesen (100m asl)