The first event in Europe in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series takes place this weekend in Coimbra (Portugal) with a total of a bit more than 1500 participants signed up.
The 20.2km time trial along the river on a back-and-forth loop is flat and fast forward. 305 riders have signed up representing 14 different countries.
On Sunday, the 148km granfondo and 106km mediofondo starts from the nearby town of Montemor-o-Velho for a course with 2 category 3 and two category 4 climbs, all situated around the middle of the course. Total elevation is respectively 1548 and 956m.
1200 riders have signed up for the road races, coming from 28 different nations. Men 19-59 and women 19-39 qualify in the granfondo while the other categories have to battle in the mediofondo for the qualifier medal and ticket to the World Championships.
