The 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Aalborg, Denmark, have shattered previous records for both participant numbers and diversity. The event, held on relatively flat courses, attracted a staggering 3270 riders from 74 countries, surpassing the previous benchmarks set in Varese (2018 – 3175 riders) and Glasgow (2023 – 68 nations). This marks the most successful UCI Gran Fondo World Championships since its inception in 2011.
The time trial, a 33.3km course with minimal elevation, saw early registration closures due to overwhelming demand with 712 riders at the start to fit within the time frame of road closures.
A total of 25 teams from 19 countries registered for the team relay event, with six nations fielding two teams each.
The main granfondo event, a 152km race with 1326 meters of elevation, will crown world champions in various age categories. Riders aged 59 and under (men) and 49 and under (women) will compete over the full distance, while older categories will tackle a shorter route of 114km with 960 meters of elevation.
Among the favourites in the time trial are 18 of the 21 world champions from the previous year. The team relay, a long-standing test event, will now officially be part of the World Championships, awarding medals and world champion jerseys.
With 11 riders defending their titles from the 2023 Glasgow championships, a total of 24 world titles are up for grabs. Former superstar Mario Cipollini is amongst the 3270 riders trying his best in both time trial and granfondo.
