Gran Fondo Ireland

Date
Saturday 29.06.2024 - 30.06.2024
Distances
TT: 26 - 111 - 153 km
City
Sligo
Country
Ireland
Website Contact

The new Gran Fondo Ireland will bring the UCI Gran Fondo World Series for the first time to Ireland as the race is a unique event on the island with a course designed along the coastline and in the Irish backcountry.

TIME TRIAL

The 26km time trial has its start and finish in the city centre of Sligo with a course going southeast with a small climb in between km 3-4 and two other climbs between km 12-14 and km 22-23 but with a highest point of 56m above the sea, this can be considered as mainly flat time trial over slightly undulating roads.

GRAN FONDO – MEDIO FONDO

The Classic Gran Fondo Route includes a scenic spin along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, riding through farmlands and rugged coastline. The Gran Fondo Route boasts 1,171 meters of climbing over a total distance of 153km.

The Medio Fondo Route stretches along the Atlantic coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and back to Sligo Town, catching all the great scenic views on offer with 807 meters of climbing over a distance of 111km.

PROFILE

 

After the start in the city center of Sligo, the race heads south and then west but follow mainly the coastline meaning that climbs are never very long nor steep.  The Gran Fondo course has an elevation which varies from sea level to maximum 625ft (191m) above the sea.  There is one longer 3.3km climb halfway the course at 3% average.

 

The mediofondo has its shortcut after 19k going inlands and reaching a highest point of 400ft (121m) to reconnect with the Granfondo route after 52km. 

 

Total Elevation of the Granfondo route is 1173m while the mediofondo has a total of 801m of climbing.

Sligo

Sligo is a town in the northwest of Ireland, situated in County Sligo. It is located on the Atlantic coast, providing it with stunning coastal scenery. The town is approximately 135 miles (220 kilometers) northwest of Dublin and has around 20.000 inhabitants.

 

Sligo is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Some notable tourist attractions include:

 

  • Yeats Country: Sligo is closely associated with the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Visitors can explore Yeats Country, an area that inspired many of Yeats’ works. Places like Lissadell House and Drumcliffe Church, where Yeats is buried, are of historical and literary significance.
  • Benbulben and Knocknarea: These iconic mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities and provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Benbulben, in particular, is a striking rock formation.
  • Sligo Abbey: This medieval abbey, founded in the 13th century, is a well-preserved historic site. It features intricate carvings and is a testament to Sligo’s medieval past.
  • Strandhill Beach: Strandhill is a popular seaside resort known for its sandy beaches and excellent surfing conditions. The coastal area offers a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of the Atlantic.
  • Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: One of the largest and oldest megalithic cemeteries in Europe, Carrowmore contains numerous prehistoric tombs and monuments, providing insight into Ireland’s ancient history.