The Coimbra region in Portugal combines a rich cultural heritage with splendid natural landscapes. This weekend, the region welcomes the UCI Gran Fondo World Series for the third time.
With an individual time trial and a road race, the event provides riders from the Iberian Peninsula – and far beyond – with an opportunity to qualify for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Only the top 25% finishers in their age group will earn their place on the starting line in Glasgow, so riding will be fast and competitive.
The historical city of Coimbra forms a formidable background for Saturday’s time trial. 275 riders will complete a 20 km back-and-forth loop along the Rio Montego river, with 108 meters of elevation. This flat and non-technical course will no doubt allow for fast times.
Sunday’s road race starts and finishes in Montemor-o-Velho, a town with a history that dates back for many centuries.
The gran fondo race is 148 km long and has 1.835 meters of elevation. It is the official qualifier for men 19-59 and women 19-39.
Medio fondo participants will tackle 106,7 km and 1.143 meters of climbing. This race is the qualifier for age groups men 60+ and women 40+.
With over 850 riders from 23 countries all over the world lining up at the start, we have a very diverse field.
Most of the climbing work is to be done in the middle part of both races. This means that many scenarios lie on the table. A brave solo effort? A small breakaway fighting for victory? Or a bunch sprint?
