This weekend, the UCI Gran Fondo World Series heads to two very different but equally compelling destinations: the historic roads of Ljubljana in Slovenia and the coastal landscapes of Fukushima in Japan. One race is a cornerstone of European granfondo tradition, the other a fast‑rising new qualifier in the World Series calendar.
Tradition and Speed at Maraton Franja
Few events in amateur cycling can match the heritage of Maraton Franja. First organised in 1982, the Slovenian classic has grown into one of Europe’s most established granfondos and has been part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series since its inaugural season in 2011.
The weekend kicks off in Ljubljana with a 21 km individual time trial on a flat and fast out‑and‑back course on the side of the capital.
On Sunday, the spotlight shifts to the iconic 157 km granfondo, starting and finishing in BTC City. The route takes riders through the Slovenian countryside towards the decisive Kladje climb, a historic section of the course that has shaped the race since its earliest editions. The profile typically favours strong all-rounders, with the race often coming down to reduced group sprints after the final run back into Ljubljana. A shorter 100 km mediofondo serves as the qualification distance for older age categories.
A New Chapter in Japan: Tour de Fukushima
While Slovenia celebrates tradition, Japan welcomes one of the newest additions to the World Series. The Tour de Fukushima, launched only recently, continues to build its reputation for riders aiming at the upcoming World Championships on home soil.
The weekend begins on Saturday with a 13 km coastal time trial in Soma, a flat and exposed course running along the Pacific shoreline.
Sunday’s road races move to Naraha for a demanding day in the saddle. The 140 km granfondo opens with a long 40 km coastal section before turning inland towards the highlands. The decisive point comes after 84 km, where riders reach the highest point at 617 metres, a rolling climb but the last 5km are challenging. From there, the course features up-and-down terrain before returning towards the coast for the finish. A shorter 80 km mediofondo, using the final part of the long route, is the qualifying distance for all women and men aged 50 and over.
