The UCI Gran Fondo World Series spreads across three continents this weekend, with qualifying events taking place in Spain, Türkiye and Brazil. From the mountains around La Nucía to the Turkish Riviera and southern Brazil, another busy weekend of racing offers riders the opportunity to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
La Nucía finally ready to race after weather postponement
Granfondo La Nucía will get the weekend underway on Saturday in southeastern Spain. The event was originally scheduled three weeks ago but had to be postponed following a red weather alert in the region.
With better conditions expected this time, around 1,200 riders are set to line up for a challenging 131km Granfondo through the mountainous Alicante hinterland. The course includes several of the region’s well-known climbs and promises to be a demanding test from start to finish.
Two former stars of the professional peloton will add extra prestige to the start list. Former World Champion Alejandro Valverde and 2000 Giro d’Italia winner Stefano Garzelli are both expected to take part.
Alongside the main 131km race, a shorter 71km Mediofondo will serve as the qualifying distance for the older age categories.
Antalya combines time trial and Granfondo racing
In Türkiye, Granfondo Antalya has already started today with a 20km individual time trial, before the focus switches to Sunday’s road races.
The main 108km Granfondo heads away from the Mediterranean coast into the backcountry of the Turkish Riviera, combining rolling terrain and climbing with the region’s scenic landscapes.
A shorter 79km Mediofondo will also be organised on Sunday, giving the relevant age categories their own qualifying distance.
1,200 riders and 12 nations in Timbó
Across the Atlantic, Granfondo Brazil completes the weekend’s programme in Timbó. The Brazilian event also starts with a race against the clock, featuring a 14km time trial on Friday before Sunday’s 108km Granfondo.
With around 1,200 riders representing 12 different countries, the event once again brings a strong international field to southern Brazil.
The three events make for a truly global UCI Gran Fondo weekend, with riders in Europe, Asia and South America chasing qualification across very different courses and landscapes.
