Last updated September 18, 2024 --

The UCI Gran Fondo World Championship - 2025 is one of the world's most prestigious amateur road cycling championships 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 worldwide 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 annual 25+ Series events held worldwide.  The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship will take place in Lorne, Australia, on the Great Ocean Road in collaboration with the hugely popular Amy's Gran Fondo. 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 the coveted Rainbow Jersey for their UCI Age Group. 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 event is also a competition and a celebration of cycling culture, with a festival-like atmosphere and a host of activities for participants and spectators alike.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship - 2025, participants must first compete in one of the many Gran Fondo World Series races held worldwide throughout the year. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned worldwide races. 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 Strambecco also rates as one of the best road cycling events in the Southeast. You can see the full roster of global series events here.  Strambecco profiles Gran Fondo Suisse, and Gran Fondo Isle of Man.

The UCI Gran Fondo Series is a sister global series to the UCI Gravel World Series, a similar international series of 25+ events-races culminating in the UCI Gravel World Championship.  You can see the full roster of UCI Gravel World Series events here. Strambecco reviews the Highlands Gravel Classic and the Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo, which are the only North American series events. We also review The Gralloch in the UK and La Monsterrato in Italy.

World Championship Route Profiles

The routes for the 2025 edition have not been announced, UCI Gran Fondo World Championship events feature a series of diverse and challenging routes tailored for various racing disciplines, including the Time Trial, Road Race, and Team Relay.  The following course information from the 2024 World Championship in Denmark describes what you can expect.  Strambecco will update the 2025 World Championship (October) course information in Lorne, Australia as soon as the routes are announced. 

Road Race 

• Distances:
  • Gran Fondo: 151 km (93.7 miles) with an elevation gain of 1,314 meters (4,312 ft)
  • Medio Fondo: 111.6 km (69.3 miles) with an elevation gain of 946 meters (3,103 ft)
• Characteristics: Starting and finishing in Aalborg's heart, the course goes through areas frequented by professional cyclists like Jonas Vingegaard and Michael Valgren during their formative years. The route features numerous small hills and technical sections, offering a well-rounded challenge. It combines asphalt roads with a cobbled section, encapsulating the essence of classic European road racing.

Time Trial 

• Distance: 33 km (20.7 miles) with an elevation gain of 133 m (418 ft)
• Characteristics: This flat course with a modest uphill climb is ideal for setting new personal and Gran Fondo records. It runs along the scenic Limfjord coast, often accompanied by a headwind on the outbound leg and a helpful tailwind on the return, enhancing the potential for fast times. This course has previously been used for the National Championships in Denmark. It has received high praise from professional cyclists like Emma Norsgaard Bjerg and Kasper Asgreen for its perfect Time Trial conditions.

Team Relay 

• Distance: 2.2 km (1.4 miles)
• Characteristics: Set near Musikkens Hus (The House of Music) and Aalborg Harbourfront, this flat, non-technical course promises high speeds and is spectator-friendly due to its proximity to the city center.

Visiting Lorne, Australia

Lorne, Australia, is a picturesque coastal town along the iconic Great Ocean Road. It is an ideal destination for outdoor athletes, especially cyclists participating in Amy’s Gran Fondo. The town offers a perfect blend of stunning natural scenery, challenging cycling routes, and relaxation opportunities, creating a memorable experience on and off the bike.

For cyclists, Lorne is a gateway to Australia's most beautiful and diverse terrain. The Great Ocean Road offers world-class cycling with sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and rolling hills, ideal for training and racing. Amy’s Gran Fondo features a scenic but demanding course, with its combination of coastal roads, hilly climbs, and forested stretches providing a unique and rewarding challenge for cyclists of all levels. The region's smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure make it a cyclist’s paradise and the cool ocean breeze offers relief during long rides.

Off the bike, Lorne is packed with outdoor activities that can make your trip even more enjoyable. The area boasts beautiful beaches, such as Lorne Beach, where you can relax, swim, or try out water sports like paddleboarding and surfing. Nearby, you can explore the lush Otway National Park, which offers hiking trails through ancient rainforests, waterfalls like Erskine Falls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Lorne’s vibrant café and restaurant scene is another highlight. You can refuel after a ride with fresh, locally sourced food and coffee or simply unwind at one of the town’s many seaside eateries. For a more leisurely day, browse local art galleries or take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road to explore neighboring towns and attractions like the Twelve Apostles.

Whether you're there to tackle Amy’s Gran Fondo or enjoy the natural beauty, Lorne offers a well-rounded experience for outdoor athletes looking to combine performance with adventure and relaxation.