Gran Fondo: from amateur cycling to the rainbow jersey
A long-distance road cycling competition that brings together women and men of different generations.
Created in Italy in 1970, the Gran Fondo event (literally “long distance” in Italian) is aimed at non-professional cyclists and brings together seasoned amateurs of all ages.
As part of its “Cycling for All” programme, the UCI organises around 35 qualifying events as part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. These events give the best riders in each age category the opportunity to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Everyone can then dream of winning the rainbow jersey as UCI World Champion in both the road race and the individual time trial.
From Thônes to La Clusaz
On August 22 and 24, 2027, more than 5,000 qualified cyclists will take part in the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Between Thônes and La Clusaz, a time trial and two road races (Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo) will take them on a challenge across the iconic climbs of the Bornes and Aravis mountains.
How to qualify?
To earn a place in the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, you must take part in one of the 35 qualifying events in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and secure a top position in your age category.
The time trial (12.7 km | 432 m D+) will feature a continuous climb to La Clusaz, with varying gradients that will favour punchy riders and climbers.
The Gran Fondo (115 km | 3,256 m D+) will tackle four climbs, including the Glières plateau, Col des Fleuries, the climb to Brizon and Col de la Colombière, before the final kilometres to La Clusaz.
From Thônes to La Clusaz, everyone has their own challenge, but the same destination
On 22 and 24 August 2027, two events will welcome qualified amateur cyclists competing in the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships between Thônes and La Clusaz: an individual time trial and a road race (Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo).
Two formats offering the chance to take on the iconic climbs of the Bornes and Aravis mountain ranges, along roads where everyone can rise to a challenge that matches their ambitions.
