UCI Gran Fondo World Series
The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a series of long-distance cycling races that are held all over the world. These races are open to amateur cyclists who are looking to challenge themselves and compete against other riders from around the globe. The Series is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for international cycling. The series consists of approximately 25 events, each featuring a challenging route through scenic landscapes. Strambecco rates many of the events that you can see below, and you can see the full calendar of events here.
The races in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series are typically between 120km and 180km long, and they feature a range of different terrains, including hills, mountains, and flat sections. The events are divided into different age categories, with riders competing against others in their age group.
One of the unique features of the Series is that it allows amateur cyclists to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. This is a prestigious event held annually, and it brings together the best amateur cyclists from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. The 2023 World Championship is held in Glasgow, Scotland, in August.
To qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, riders must finish in the top 20% of their age group in a UCI Series event. The championships feature various races, including a road race and a time trial, and they take place over several days. The annual Cheaha Challenge held in Jacksonville, Alabama, each May is currently the only US qualifying event. The Cheaha Challenge is also rated by Strambecco as one of the best road cycling events in the Southeast.
If it feels daunting to travel to such far-flung locations with your bike, fear not. Each event is professionally organized and commonly includes travel packages that include accommodations and logistical support. Each event is also held in fantastic locations, which provide the perfect opportunity to build a full vacation around the event.
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo
Jacksonville, Alabama Jacksonville, ALThe Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo, now in its 30th year, takes off annually from Jacksonville, Alabama, and is one of America's top cycling events, if not Alabama’s. Picked by Strambecco 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…
Tour of Cambridgeshire
Peterborough, Unitied Kingdom Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United KingdomOne of the UK's largest and most popular cycling festivals takes place in the beautiful countryside of Cambridgeshire, England. The festival offers a range of cycling events for enthusiasts of all levels, including Sportives, Road Races, Gran Fondo, and Time Trials. One of the unique aspects of the Tour of Cambridgeshire is that all the…
Gran Fondo Switzerland – Villars
Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland Villars-sur-Ollon, Swiss Alps, SwitzerlandThe UCI Gran Fondo Switzerland Villars is an annual cycling event that takes place in the beautiful Swiss Alps. The event is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for the sport of cycling. It is one of the many Gran Fondo events that are held around the world under the UCI…
Gran Fondo Isle of Man
Ramsey, Isle of Mann Ramsey, Isle of Man, United KingdomThe Gran Fondo Isle of Man cycling event is a true test of legs and lungs that rewards competitors with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement. The event is held on a largely closed road course, boasting 7,500ft of spectacular climbing around 137 km parcours, and is one of only two true competitive Gran…
Gran Fondo Matildica
reggio emilia, Italy Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, ItalyGran Fondo Matildica is an annual cycling event held in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. The event is named after Matilda of Canossa, a powerful noblewoman who ruled the region during the Middle Ages. The event is also a UCI Grand Fondo World Series event, rated by Strambecco as one of Italy's best gran…
Tre Valli Veresine Gran Fondo
Varese, Italy Varese, Lombardy, ItalyThe Tre Valli Veresine Gran Fondo is a popular cycling event held annually in the province of Varese in the Lombardy region of Italy. Tre Valli Varesine is a UCI Gran Fondo World Series event, a Specialized Gran Fondo Series event, and rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Gran Fondos in Italy. The…