This weekend promises a feast of cycling action as the UCI Gran Fondo World Series unfolds across two stunning locations: Niseko, Japan, and Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Niseko Classic gears up for 2026
In Niseko, cyclists will tackle a new 140km road race (2370m elevation), a preview of the 2026 World Championships course. The new course is mainly in reverse order of last year’s editions to have more climbing in the final. A shorter 77km course (1572m elevation) is available for women and men over 50 as qualifier distance. Saturday hosts a 16.3km time trial on the new World Championships course in Kyowa. The event is a sell-out success, drawing over 1000 riders.
Maraton Franja: A Classic Returns
Maraton Franja in Ljubljana, Slovenia a classic in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series since 2011 and a true granfondo classic since 1982. Friday features a 21km time trial on a flat, fast out-and-back loop in the capital. Sunday offers a choice: a 156km granfondo with one 8km major climb or a 97km mediofondo. The event anticipates 6000 participants across various disciplines, with 3100 tackling the granfondo or mediofondo, representing 32 nations.
Cycling fans can https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.maratonfranja.si/catch the live streaming of the road races from the Maraton Franja BTC City on Sunday, June 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the Small Marathon Franja on Saturday, June 8, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The live streams will be available on the Maraton Franja website, the Maraton Franja Facebook page, and YouTube.
