One of America’s top cycling events, if not Alabama’s. The annual Cheaha fondo takes off from Jacksonville, Alabama. Picked as one of the best road cycling events in the Southeast, this ride is exceptional for every level of rider, and no rider ability from amateur to world tour pro is left out. Adding the equation that the Cheaha Cycling challenge qualifies for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and the Gran Fondo National Series. Route options start at 25 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing. Then there are 44 miles with 2,200 ft. of climbing, 62 miles with 4,000 ft. of climbing, and 84 miles with 7,200 ft. of climbing. Then there are the “big ones,” starting with the popular century with nearly 10,000 ft. of climbing! And finally, the Ultra is an astonishing 126.3 miles with just under 13,000 feet of climbing!!
About UCI Gran Fondo World Series
The UCI Gran Fondo World Series (former UCI World Cycling Tour) is a series of UCI-sanctioned races. Some 25-30 qualifier events qualify the top 20% in each age group to the UCI Granfondo World Championships, the former UCI Masters Road World Championships, where the champions are awarded the coveted rainbow jersey. After its launch in 2011, the UCI Granfondo World Series enters the 2022 season with additional events.
While promoting high-level competition for Masters and Amateurs, one of the aims of this series is the globalization of “Cycling for All.” With that in mind, the geographical spread of the events is very important, alongside strict organizational and sporting criteria and certain tourism interests. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series concept is focused on both very competitive riders who either miss the skills and talent to become a Pro Elite rider or who still want to compete at a high level at a later age but are also open to enthusiast sport riders who like to keep fit and simple take part in competitive events. You can see all events listed here: http://www.ucigranfondoworldseries.com/.
About Gran Fondo National Series
The GFNS event series was established in 2012 and comprised 12 European-style rides/races staged in the United States. Every GFNS event offers courses covering 30, 60, and 100-mile journeys through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrains in endurance sports. Timed sections allow riders to compete in specific course segments, while casual cyclists can ride at their own pace. Participants can ride as individuals or on teams. GFNS awards special prizes to the top riders in every age and gender category. Each rider is assigned an electronic timing chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for the best time through highlighted sections.
For the most dedicated athletes who participate in at least three events, GFNS offers the chance to win a National series championship based on your performance in the cumulative events. The competition spans all rider categories. GFNS events include: Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo; Utah-Cache Gran Fondo; Highlands Gran Fondo; Gran Fondo Asheville; Boone Gran Fondo; Golden Gran Fondo; Gran Fondo Maryland; Jensie Gran Fondo
