UCI Gran Fondo Ireland

Starting in June 2024, Gran Fondo Ireland is the first-ever Gran Fondo event in Ireland to be included in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.

The UCI Granfondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. Some 25-30 qualifier events will qualify the top 25% in each age group to the UCI Granfondo World Championships, where the champions are awarded with the coveted rainbow jersey. 

The event begins and culminates in Sligo Town, where all participants will be greeted by live entertainment, a finisher’s medal, a Prize Presentation show, food, drink and much more.

In the spirit of the World Gran Fondo Series, the GFI is a highly energetic public cycling event attended by pros, recreational cyclists, and weekend warriors. GFI incorporates timed overall routes, fantastic rest stops, route support mechanics to make sure you keep rolling along.

Events

There are four events over the weekend: the Gran Fondo, Medium Fondo, Sportive and Time Trial.

The Gran Fondo (155km) route includes a scenic spin along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, riding through farmlands and rugged coastline with some 1,176 meters of climbing. The Gran Fondo will have three fantastic rest stops and is a real test for intermediate and more advanced cyclists.

The Route

The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.

Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare and picking up the N59. At Beltra the GF turns right and picks up the Wild Atlantic Way. The GF turns left at Carrowhubbock onto the R298, taking the event towards the N59. Turning right of the N59 the event makes it way towards Bonniconlon. At Bonniconlon the GF turns left onto the R294 passing by Lough Talt. The GF remains on the R294 passing through Tobercurry before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.

Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo

The Medium Fondo (110km) route stretches along the Atlantic coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and back to Sligo Town, catching all the great scenic views on offer with 993 meters of climbing. The Medium Fondo has two rest stops and will suit intermediate cyclists with a good endurance base who want to challenge themselves.

The Sportive (85km) is designed for riders who want a Gran Fondo experience, yet prefer a shorter riding distance. This route features a flat-to-rolling course with one fantastic rest stop and 933 meters of climbing.

The UCI Individual Time Trial takes in the scenic route of Strandhill and back into Sligo. The parcours covers 26km but should not be underestimated, with 225 metres of climbing to overcome. Individuals start at 1-minute intervals and race against the clock. The race of truth.