UK
UCI Gran Fondo World Championships
Gran Fondo Isle of Man with Sportive Breaks
Gran Fondo Isle of Man with Sportive Breaks
Taking place just two weeks before the World Championships in Scotland, Gran Fondo Isle of Man presented by Santander International, which takes place on Saturday 22nd July (Time Trial) and Sunday 23rd July (Gran Fondo), is your final chance to qualify and represent your country at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships which take place on Monday 4 August 2023.
Gran Fondo Isle of Man is one of only two true competitive Gran Fondo events staged in the British Isles, held on a mostly closed road 137 km parcours. This year’s Gran Fondo is a qualification round for the prestigious 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World championships which will take place in Perth, Scotland in August 2023. Every year cycling professionals like Manx born Mark Cavendish. and Manx resident Ben Swift of Team Ineos also took take part alongside amateur competitors of all ages and abilities. In 2022 Gran Fondo winner was Christopher Lawless of Total Energies in a time of 3 hours 41 minutes. Second was Tyler Hannay and third was Belgium’s Thomas Dhooge. Manx Missile Mark Cavendish MBE came in eighth position. You can see the full results here.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking
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Qualify for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Scotland: Represent your country in Scotland on Friday 4 August for the Gran Fondo or Monday 7 August for the Time Trial. Rainbow jersey up for grabs.
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Book with the official Tour Operator: Sportive Breaks are the official fan and amateur travel partners for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships including the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Route | 9km | 400m |
1/5
Shorter, flatter days suitable for newer riders.
|
| Long Route | 132km | 2236m |
3/5
Mix of climbing & flatter days suitable for most riders.
|
| Medium Route | 66km | 780m |
2/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional climb. Social riding suitable for all riders.
|
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel in Ramsey near start and finish
Guided Rides
Explore the ITT and Gran Fondo route
Included Meals
Breakfasts
Additional Extras
Sportive Entry
Entry for the various distances and disciplines
Gran Fondo Isle of Man
Gran Fondo Isle of Man
Sport is a major part of Manx life, from high-speed road racing in the form of the TT, through to lower profile but just as demanding events such as the Parish Walk. Established on the Isle of Man in May 2016, Gran Fondo Isle of Man is presented by Santander International and will be based in the North of the Island.
In addition to the cycling activities there will be, lots of local produce and food options in the Cycling Village to keep you going as well as everything the Isle of Man has to offer. The 2023 event starts and finishes at the idyllic Mooragh Park on the 23rd of July, a spectacular coastal location. The most well-known route is the 85-mile Gran Fondo which is only one of two competitive race staged Grand Fondo’s within the British Isles. You may spot a few familiar faces at the start line as last year the world famous “Manx Missile” Mark Cavendish lead the rolling start.
Is 85 miles too far? Why not take part in the Medio Fondo (45miles), Piccolo Fondo (20 miles) or the family friendly Minisculo Fondo, which features closed road laps (1/2 mile laps of the park).
The Gran Fondo Isle of Man events all start and finish in Ramsey’s fabulous Mooragh Park, which will also hosts the Riders Village. The Riders Village features a range of high quality food and beverage options for riders and their supporters to enjoy, with a giant LED screen showing live coverage of the World Tour Cycling from around the globe.
The Riders Village also features a ‘Service Course’ offering pre ride technical support from leading bike emporium Cycle 360, massage facilities to ease those post ride aches and pains as well as Race HQ and Medical Facilities.
Meanwhile the Park itself boasts excellent leisure facilities which visitors of all ages will appreciate including a 12 acre boating lake, tennis courts, a bowling green, BMX track and a crazy golf course as well as a children’s playground and special water play area.
Itinerary
Expand All
Thursday 20 July – Optional early arrival day : Ramsey
Arrive today if you are taking part in the ITT and you’d like to join our ITT course recce tomorrow (Friday). Please make your own arrangements to travel to the Isle of Man and Ramsey.
Late afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. We will have an evening meal together at the hotel.
Friday 21 July – Arrival Day : Ramsey
Arrive today if you are taking part in the ITT and you’d like to join our ITT course recce tomorrow (Friday). Please make your own arrangements to travel to the Isle of Man and Ramsey.
ITT route recce
This afternoon we will collect you from the hotel and take you and your bike to the ITT course. From 14.00 we will give you the option to join us on our route recce of the ITT course. The course is just 9 miles long, but it does include a fair bit of climbing so it’s worth checking it out.
Late afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. We will have an evening meal together at the hotel.
Saturday 22 July – ITT – Road Bikes Only – No TT bikes : Ramsey
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Short Route |
9km | 400m |
1/5
A flat or short easy day.
|
The Individual Time Trial takes in the climb of Snaefell Mountain on the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing circuit. The parcours covers just 9 km but should not be underestimated, with a total of 400 meters of climbing to overcome.
Sunday 23 July – Gran Fondo : Ramsey
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route |
132km | 2236m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional climb.
|
 Medium Route |
66km | 780m |
1/5
A flat or short easy day.
|
Gran Fondo Isle of Man boasts 6,500ft of spectacular climbing around a largely closed road course. Clocking in at the slightly modest distance of 85 miles, it would be foolish to underestimate the challenging nature of our Grandest Fondo. After all, the Isle of Man’s roads have tested to their limits, some of the world’s greatest cyclists; think Coppi, Simpson, Fignon and Millar.
The Gran Fondo gets underway in style with a mass roll out from Mooragh Park, before the peloton is escorted out of the neutralised zone. 80miles of spectacular and unique racing await our competitors when the flag drops – almost entirely held on closed roads , as well as an un-surfaced ‘Strade Bianche’ style blast through a forest plantation.
Packed with the Island’s toughest climbs, competitors will be faced with 25% gradients as they conquer each classic ascent – another stunning vista the only reward before plunging towards the sea that flanks those leg breaking hills.
Whether racing to win, or riding to finish, Gran Fondo Isle of Man is a true test of legs and lungs – one that rewards competitors with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Monday 24 July - Departure day : Ramsey
Please check out of the hotel today. We may see you again in Scotland in two week’s time for the world championships!
Sportive Options
Sportive Breaks are the official fan and amateur travel partners for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships including the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Scotland
The Gran Fondo Isle of Man and the ITT are part of the UCI Granfondo World Series which is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. Riders who finish in the 20% of their age group will qualify and are given the opportunity to represent Great Britain (or other country depending on their nationality). The 2023 UCI Granfondo World Championships take place on 4 and 7 August 2023 in Scotland. This where the champions are awarded with the coveted rainbow jersey.
Qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships at the Gran Fondo Isle of Man in July and book your travel and support package to the world championships in Perth in August with Sportive Breaks.
Sportive Breaks are the official fan and amateur travel partners for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships including the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
ITT Saturday 22 July
The Individual Time Trial takes in the climb of Snaefell Mountain on the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing circuit. The parcours covers just 9 km but should not be underestimated, with a total of 400 meters of climbing to overcome.
Gran Fondo on Sunday 23 July
The Gran Fondo starts and finishes from the scenic Mooragh Park in Ramsey. After a warmup on the Island’s Northern plains, the first real test is the climb out of Ballaugh Glen known as Druidale. The route will then take riders towards the west of the Island before heading up the beautiful but brutal coastal Round Table climb. The final test is the mighty Injebreck which is the hardest climb on the Isle of Man. The overall route features over 1900 metres of climbing, including gradients of over 25%, with a separate ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the Mountains competition over the cumulative timed ascents of the three major climbs. The varied course also takes in several technical descents as well as a 2km gravel section and forest fire trail roads.
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Route | 9km | 400m |
1/5
A flat or short easy sportive.
|
| Long Route | 132km | 2236m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional tougher section.
|
| Medium Route | 66km | 780m |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one tough section.
|
Airport Transfers
The Isle of Man has great air links with many major airports situated in the UK, Channel Islands, Ireland and further afield, making travelling by air quick and convenient. If you travel to the Isle of Man by sea, you’ll have the option of coming as a foot passenger or bringing the car – perfect if you are travelling with your family, taking sports equipment or if you just want to retain your independence while on the island. The Steam Packet Company operates ferry services to the Isle of Man from Heysham, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Dublin, and Belfast using two reliable vessels. For timetables, fares and to make a booking, please visit the Steam Packet Company website or call their reservations team on 01624 661661.
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