The UCI Gran Fondo World Series continues this weekend with two very different challenges on either side of the Atlantic, as riders line up in Alabama (USA) for the long-standing Cheaha Challenge and in eastern France for the demanding Granfondo Vosges in La Bresse Hohneck.
Cheaha Challenge: American classic with time trial opener
The 33rd edition of the Cheaha Challenge, one of the oldest granfondos in the United States since its first running in 1993, starts today with a fast individual time trial. Riders will take on a 12.5 miles straight, flat effort with just 233 feet of elevation gain, favouring pure power and aerodynamic efficiency.
On Sunday, the focus shifts to the traditional granfondo, although the course has been slightly adapted this year due to road conditions in the park. The main route covers 96.5 miles (155 km) with 8,500 feet (2,590 m) of climbing and serves as the qualification event for men and women up to 54 years old.
Participants in the older categories will contest a shorter 82-mile (132 km) course, but both routes feature the iconic ascent of Cheaha Mountain (2,407 ft / 734 m), the highest point in Alabama.
With more than 700 riders on the start list, the Cheaha Challenge continues to attract a strong international field, with participants coming from 10 different countries and 35 US states. The combination of history, varied terrain and competitive qualification opportunities makes it one of the highlights of the American calendar.
Granfondo Vosges: climbing challenge in La Bresse
While racing gets underway in the US today, attention shifts to France on Sunday where the Granfondo Vosges gathers a much larger peloton in the ski resort of La Bresse Hohneck.
Known for its demanding terrain, the main granfondo offers a tough 177.5 km route with 3,087 metres of elevation gain, reserved for men up to 59 years old aiming for qualification. The course features the relentless climbs and rolling mountain roads typical of the Vosges.
For all women and men aged 60 and over, qualification is decided over a shorter but still selective 124 km mediofondo with 2,400 metres of climbing.
With 2,721 riders registered from 37 different countries, the French event is sold out and one of the largest gatherings in the series.
