The UCI Gran Fondo World Championship – 2023 Scotland is one of the most prestigious amateur road cycling championships in the world and the culminating event of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. The event is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and is the pinnacle of amateur cycling. The UCI Gran Fondo World Championship brings together amateur cyclists from all over the world to compete in a series of races on challenging courses. Participants must first qualify for the event by placing high enough in one of the many Gran Fondo races held around the world throughout the year. Strambecco rates the event as one of the best cycling events in the UK for 2023.
The UCI Gran Fondo World Championship consists of three separate races: Gran Fondo, Medio Fondo, and a time trial. Each race is divided into age categories and gender, allowing riders to compete against others in their respective age and gender groups. The event attracts a wide range of participants, from recreational cyclists to serious amateurs who train year-round for the event. It offers a unique opportunity for amateur cyclists to compete on a world stage and experience the thrill of racing at an elite level.
The upcoming UCI Gran Fondo World Championship will take place in Perth and Dundee, Scotland. The first event is the Gran Fondo which covers 154km and involves climbing well over 1,800m. The route takes riders through some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, but be prepared for the unpredictable Scottish weather. The second race is the Medio Fondo, which is shorter at 96km and 750m of climbing but still offers a challenging ride through the Perthshire countryside. The third race is the time trial, which covers 26.8km and involves climbing around 140m.
Participants in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship will have the chance to take their place at the heart of the biggest cycling event in history and to make their mark on history by winning coveted Rainbow Jersey for their UCI Masters Age Group. The event is not only a competition but also a celebration of cycling culture, with a festival-like atmosphere and a host of activities for participants and spectators alike.
To qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship – 2023 Scotland, participants must first compete in one of the many Gran Fondo World Series races held around the world throughout the year. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. Over 25 global qualifier events will qualify the top 25% of competitors in each masters age group to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Scotland, where the champions are awarded the coveted rainbow jersey. The sole US qualifying event is the Cheaha Challenge in Alabama, which is also rated by Strambecco as one of the best road cycling events in the Southeast
The host city for the Gran and Medio Fondo events in Perth, Scotland, which is nestled between two sprawling public parks. Perth swerves at the “Gateway to the Highlands” and boasts an array of outstanding monuments, art galleries, and museums that you can explore, as well as being able to take in the historical atmosphere by wandering the streets and nearby trails. The host city for the time trial event in Dundee, Scotland, is a UNESCO City of Design. There is plenty to do in Dundee outside of cycling. The Architectural Trail will take you to the fabulous V&A Museum. With bustling weekend markets and stylish shopping centers, Perth is the perfect venue for the Time Trial event. The surrounding Perthshire area offers stunning scenery, making it a perfect location for a cycling event.
Located near Perth, Scotland, Comrie Croft stands out as one of the finest trail centers in the region, offering an array of exceptional cycling options. The site boasts distinctive accommodation choices, with a special focus on eco-camping, ensuring a unique and environmentally conscious experience. For those seeking a thrilling adventure, Dunkeld & Birnam awaits with expertly crafted, hand-built trails that provide a technical challenge. However, if a more leisurely ride is preferred, the picturesque Loch Ordie presents a classic mountain bike route, perfect for a slower-paced journey. For the intrepid explorers willing to venture a bit further, the surrounding areas offer a myriad of cycling opportunities. To the north lies the enchanting Cairngorms National Park, while heading south will lead you to the charming town of Crieff. For a western expedition, the scenic beauty of Rannoch Moor awaits, and to the east, the charming village of Bankfoot offers its own unique cycling charm.
The event operator has teamed with Sportive Breaks to provide travel and support packages for your visit to the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo Worlds. They’ll take care of everything and also have ticket bundles for other UCI Cycling World Championship events.
