Barry Covington collapsed while competing at the 2017 event in the south of France, the Gran Fondo taking place during a 39°C heatwave and participants later complaining about a shortage of water and poorly manned feed stops Barry Covington collapsed while competing at the 2017 event in the south of France. Read more about the Gran Fondo which took place during a 39°C heatwave, with participants later complaining about a shortage of water and poorly manned feed stops.