The upcoming UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Aalborg, Denmark, is poised to shatter the previous participation record. With 2900 riders already registered for the time trial and/or Gran Fondo, the event is on track to surpass the 3175 participants who took part in the 2018 Varese (ITA) World Championships.
This overwhelming interest presents significant logistical challenges for organizers, particularly for the time trial, which is limited to 720 riders due to road closure restrictions. The UCI and local organizers have decided to close time trial registrations once this limit is reached. With 651 riders currently signed up for the Thursday, August 29 time trial, the closure may be imminent.
Organizers are also considering an early closure for Gran Fondo registrations to maintain a fair and safe race environment, given that all qualifying events have concluded.
Riders will compete in the Gran Fondo on Sunday, September 1st, starting in intervals between 9:00 AM and 10:10 AM for either the 112km or 153km distance. Slower riders must finish by 4:00 PM to be ranked, with a mandatory cutoff at the final feed zone at 3:00 PM. Those who miss this cutoff will be redirected to Aalborg via a shorter route.
