The Isle of Man Gran Fondo has undergone a significant transformation, shifting its focus from traditional road routes to a new off-road format. This change marks the biggest alteration in the event's 10-year history, with organisers opting for a multi-surface challenge that features gravel tracks, green lanes, forest trails, and historical railway lines.
The redesigned course has been created to reflect the Island's landscape and the growing popularity of gravel cycling, while remaining true to the event's focus on endurance and participation. The new routes take riders on a 60-mile (100km) journey from Ramsey to Port Erin, passing through farmland, wetlands, moorland, forests, and coastal scenery.
The flagship Gran Fondo Gravel and Gran Fondo XC MTB races will take place on Sunday, with riders setting off from Ramsey at 09:30 BST. The point-to-point route features 30 designated off-road and C-road sectors, including Ballacorey Farm, The Curraghs, The Kella, Ballacarnane Farm, Archallagan Plantation, and Eary Cushlin. Organisers have described the route as "a route shaped by the island itself", rather than adapting an existing road course.
The event begins on Saturday with two warm-up events: the 'Minisculo Fondo' and the Gran Fondo Challenge. The 'Minisculo Fondo' is a fully closed half-mile circuit around Mooragh Park in Ramsey, designed for children and families, while the Gran Fondo Challenge is a non-competitive 30-mile (50km) event that starts and finishes in Ramsey.
The Isle of Man Gran Fondo has its roots in Italian cycling, with the name "Gran Fondo" pointing to endurance challenges and long distance. The event is a qualifying competition for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which adopted the name to connect with a continental mass-participation cycling tradition.
Several temporary road closures will be in place during the Gran Fondo weekend to allow the event to take place safely. On Saturday, closures will affect Park Road, North Shore Road, and Ballacloan Road between 10:00-12:00. On Sunday, closures will take place across several areas as riders make their way from Ramsey to Port Erin.
The Isle of Man Gran Fondo has a history of attracting riders ranging from first-time cyclists to professional racers, including Sir Mark Cavendish, Ben Swift, Lizzie Holden, and Anna Christian. After hosting road-based events for 10 years, organisers said the move to gravel and mountain bike racing reflected "the sport's changing landscape" while "showcasing more of the Island's natural environment".
The event is expected to draw a large crowd, with riders and spectators alike eager to experience the new off-road format. With its unique blend of terrain and scenic views, the Isle of Man Gran Fondo is set to become a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts.
Source: Yahoo Sports