The Utah-Cache Gran Fondo is an annual Italian-style ride in Cache Valley in Northern Utah that has consistently been ranked as one of the best Gran Fondos in North America and is one of the fastest-growing and largest rides in Utah. Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest. This year, the event also acts as a qualifier event for the Gran Fondo National Series, providing racers the opportunity to race on the national stage at the GFNS Championship at the Gran Fondo Maryland.
In a true Gran Fondo format, immediately after racers leave the start line area, the courses open to recreational cyclists on route options spanning 35, 50, 75, and 100 miles through a spectacular mountain valley in Northern Utah where the air in the summer can be crisp and clean. Except for the Piccolo 35-mile course, all routes offer a slight hill challenge, followed by mostly flat sections on low-traffic roads.
All distances offer well-stocked support stations with real food from Lee’s Marketplace, Newton Market, Built Bar, Hammer Nutrition, and all the Gatorade, water, and Pepsi products you can drink. A light breakfast is offered at the start line and a unique rider lunch where you choose your preference from one of 3 different local restaurants. Over 40 local and statewide sponsors also provide over $8000 worth of rider prizes and rider gifts, including Campchef stoves and outdoor cooking items, cycling items from Al’s Sporting Goods, Joyride Bikes & The Sportsman. Also, as you cross the finish line, high-end pillows from Malouf Sleep and ARS always provide FatBoy ice cream sandwiches.
Logan, Utah, nestled in the scenic Cache Valley, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas, thrilling climbs, or heart-pumping trails. Its natural beauty and diverse terrain make it a natural playground for all. Logan offers an array of stunning trails that cater to hikers and backpackers of all levels. Logan Canyon, located just east of the city, is home to numerous trails that showcase the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. Examples include the Wind Cave Trail, Crimson Trail, and the iconic Highline Trail, which spans over 100 miles along the ridgeline of the Bear River Range.
It is also renowned for its excellent rock climbing opportunities. The area is dotted with impressive limestone and quartzite cliffs, offering a variety of routes. Maple Canyon, a short drive from Logan, is a world-class rock climbing destination known for its steep walls, unique formations, and numerous sport climbing routes. The surrounding landscapes of Logan also boasts exceptional mountain biking trails that cater to riders of all abilities. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers scenic views of the valley, while the Logan River Trail provides a picturesque riverside biking experience. Additionally, the nearby Cache National Forest offers a network of singletrack trails that wind through dense forests, providing immersive mountain biking.
About UCI Gran Fondo World Series
The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a premier series of events held around the world. Open to all rider types. However, the series adds a competitive element to these even by allowing participants to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, held this year in Glasgow, Scotland. The series includes multiple events in different countries, each with a qualifying race that offers riders the opportunity to earn a spot in the world championships. The world championships feature races in several age groups and categories, including men’s and women’s races and amateur and masters divisions. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series aims to promote the sport of cycling and provide an opportunity for amateur riders to compete at an international level.
About Gran Fondo National Series
The Gran Fondo National Series was established in 2012 and comprised 10+ 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.
For the most competitive cyclists, the series partnered with USA Cycling to bring the one-day Gran Fondo National Championship into the portfolio of official USA Cycling National Championship events. The event is held annually, and a national championship jersey and medal are awarded to the overall winner in each Gran Route age group category. The 2023 National Championship event will be held at Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick, Maryland, on September 17. To compete in the National Championship category, riders must qualify by meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in Qualification Events. However, all riders are welcome to participate in Gran Fondo Maryland and ride any of the normal Maryland Gran Fondo routes (Gran, Medio, and Piccolo), regardless of qualification status.
GFNS-owned events include Gran Fondo Florida; Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo; Highlands Gran Fondo; Gran Fondo Asheville; Boone Gran Fondo; Golden Gran Fondo; Gran Fondo Maryland. Partner events include Cheaha Challenge; Vermont Gran Fondo; Utah-Cache Gran Fondo; Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo; 719 Ride; Mt Evans Hill Climb Gran Fondo.
