Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo 2026

Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo 2026

Presented by Cycling Events Ontario
Gravel Mixed Surface
Thornbury, Canada
Jun 13, 2026
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About This Event

This UCI Gravel World Series qualifier features two distinct courses through Ontario’s Blue Mountains region, each designed to challenge different rider strengths. The long course covers approximately 75 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain, while the short option spans 50 miles with 2,800 feet of climbing.

Developed in consultation with local gravel experts, the route deliberately tests multiple skill sets. Power riders will find their opportunity on exposed, windswept sections of wide gravel roads, while climbers can create separation on short, punchy ascents. Technical sections where vehicles cannot pass favor riders with advanced bike handling skills, adding a tactical element to the racing.

The course winds through the scenic Niagara Escarpment and Beaver Valley, offering stunning views of Georgian Bay and the surrounding forests. As part of the UCI Gravel World Series, the event prioritizes rider experience with full right-of-way throughout the course, eliminating vehicle interference that can compromise safety and racing dynamics.

Located in Thornbury, just over 100 miles northwest of Toronto, the event sits in prime gravel territory where rolling hills meet crystal-clear lakes and dense forests. The top 25% of finishers in each age group earn qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships, where winners receive the coveted rainbow jersey.

Organized by Cycling Events Ontario, a non-profit collective of passionate cyclists focused on delivering safe yet challenging events, this inaugural edition represents the organization’s commitment to bringing world-class gravel racing to the region.


UCI Gravel World Series

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The UCI Gravel World Series is an elite international competition circuit dedicated to the growing discipline of gravel cycling.  Launched by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to meet the rising global interest in gravel racing, the series serves as both a competitive platform and a celebration of the unique spirit of gravel cycling. With routes often combining paved roads, gravel paths, and off-road trails, the UCI Gravel World Series attracts a diverse community of riders, from professional racers to passionate amateurs.  The gravel series is affiliated with the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which follows a similar format.

Format and Structure

The UCI Gravel World Series consists of qualifying events held across various countries, each organized in scenic, challenging locations that showcase the region’s distinctive landscapes. Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group in any qualifying event earn a coveted spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships, the series’ annual grand finale. The championship event crowns world champions across different age categories, with winners receiving the iconic UCI rainbow jersey, a prestigious symbol of cycling excellence.

Unique Characteristics

  • Mixed Terrain: Gravel racing is characterized by diverse terrain, including smooth gravel, rocky trails, forest paths, and even stretches of pavement. Each event in the UCI Gravel World Series capitalizes on this by designing courses that highlight the natural beauty of their surroundings while challenging riders’ skills and endurance.
  • Inclusivity and Accessibility: The UCI Gravel World Series is open to professional cyclists and amateur riders, with age-group categories encouraging broad participation. This inclusive approach fosters a community-focused atmosphere where cyclists of all levels can compete and share their passion for gravel cycling.
  • Scenic, Iconic Locations: Events occur in renowned cycling destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond, allowing participants to experience various landscapes and cycling cultures. The series combines tourism with sport, drawing both competitors and spectators to explore new regions through the lens of gravel racing.

The UCI Gravel World Championships

The season culminates in the UCI Gravel World Championships, hosted in a rotating location and featuring a prestigious course designed to challenge the world’s best gravel riders. The championship brings together the top finishers from the qualifying events, where they compete for age-group titles and the chance to wear the rainbow jersey. This event has quickly gained prominence as a premier gravel racing occasion, uniting the global gravel cycling community and showcasing the highest level of competition.

The UCI Gravel World Series blends traditional cycling competition with the adventurous, community-driven spirit of gravel racing, making it appealing to athletes worldwide. With gravel cycling’s ongoing growth, the series is poised to become a defining circuit in the landscape of endurance sports, drawing participants and fans who are passionate about exploring the world on two wheels.

Also presented by
Cycling Events Ontario

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