First Asian edition of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships attracts record international participation
Amateur cyclists from around the globe are set to converge on Niseko, Japan, for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, taking place from 27 to 30 August. A long-standing stop on the UCI Gran Fondo World Series calendar, the Japanese venue now makes history as the first Asian host of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
The event has already broken records before a pedal has been turned. A total of 402 riders from 52 countries have registered for the individual time trial, while 1,447 riders from 64 countries will contest the Granfondo and Mediofondo road races. Together, this represents the most internationally diverse edition in the history of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, setting a new record for the number of nationalities represented.
Competition begins on Thursday 27 August with the individual time trial, contested over a challenging 15 km course. Female riders will start first, beginning with the oldest age categories before the men take to the course.
On Friday, attention shifts to the popular Team Relay, raced on a 1.9 km circuit. Each national team consists of four riders: one female and one male rider of any age category, one rider aged over 40, and one rider aged over 50. Interest in the event has been exceptional, with the Team Relay now completely sold out.
The championships conclude on Sunday with the Granfondo and Mediofondo road races, both featuring demanding mountain routes through the spectacular landscapes of Hokkaido.
Spectacular Courses Through Hokkaido
The Niseko Classic has been part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series since 2016 and has built a reputation as one of the most scenic and professionally organised events on the calendar. This year, riders from every corner of the world will have the opportunity to experience the unique combination of breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain that has made the event famous.
Both road races start and finish at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, a renowned ski resort offering spectacular views of Mount Yotei, the iconic 1,900-metre-high volcano often referred to as the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido”.
Following sections of the Shiribetsu River valley, the courses tackle the famous Niseko Panorama Line, one of Japan’s most scenic mountain roads. The Granfondo covers 139.5 km with 2,370 metres of elevation gain, while the Mediofondo spans 76.2 km and includes 1,572 metres of climbing.
Defending Champions Return
A strong contingent of reigning champions will return to defend their rainbow jerseys won at the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships on Australia’s Great Ocean Road. No fewer than 10 time trial world champions and 7 Granfondo world champions are back to defend their titles and add another rainbow jersey to their collection.
