The UCI Granfondo World Series heads to Velingrad this weekend for a historic edition, as Bulgaria hosts its first-ever UCI Granfondo event.
A total of 189 riders will take the start, including 175 men and 14 women, representing 15 different nationalities. While Bulgarian riders form the majority of the field, the international mix is strong, with participants from countries including Greece, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, Australia, Cyprus, Jordan, Costa Rica and San Marino.
Challenging courses in Velingrad
The event offers two race distances on demanding terrain in the Rhodope region with a course around the Batak Reservoir.
- Granfondo (140 km)
A tough and selective course over 140 km, featuring 1900m of climbing including a 21km climb at 5.4% average in the second half. - Mediofondo (70 km)
A shorter 70 km race, serving as the qualification distance for men aged 60+ and women aged 50+. This course skips the middle part for a total elevation of 620m.
With qualification spots for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and UEC Gran Fondo European Championships at stake, the event is set to deliver a competitive and memorable debut for Bulgaria on the international Granfondo calendar and third last qualifier for the World Championships in Niseko.
