Australia Secures Two Events On UCI Gran Fondo World Series

The UCI has confirmed Australia will be the only country to feature two events on the 2017 Gran Fondo World Series, the UCI’s masters and amateur mass participation series

The first of two Australian events, the Amy's Gran Fondo opened the 2017 last September with a record 5,500 participants across the two day festival.

One of eight new events added the 2017 Series is the Blayney to Bathurst Cyclo Sportif Challenge, which doubles the chances for Australian cyclists to qualify for the World Championships to be held in France next August.

“It is a tremendous coup for Australia to have secured two qualifier events in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series,” said Cycling Australia CEO Nicholas Green OAM.

“The Blayney to Bathurst Cyclo Sportif Challenge already has strong roots within the Australian cycling landscape and we look forward to seeing it rise to another level in 2017 as part of the World Series.

“Australia boasts the honour of being the most successful country in number of participants in the World Championships over the past six years.
“Whether they are aiming to win the UCI rainbow jersey, make the podium, or are striving for their best time, an additional event within Australia is a great result for all cyclists.”

An iconic event on the Australian cycling calendar for the past twelve years, the Blayney to Bathurst Cyclo Sportif Challenge, or fondly known as the ‘B2B’, has been slated for April 1-2 on the 2017 calendar.

Managed by the Bathurst Regional Council, the event has grown every year and provides a commitment to both cycling and raising funds for local charities and initiatives in Bathurst and the Central West Region of New South Wales. 

“The B2B becoming a qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships is just reward for the event and all who have been involved in its evolution,” said Cycling NSW CEO Phil Ayres.

“Granting UCI pre-qualifying status is a natural progression for this event given its standing particularly in NSW cycling circles.

“It will allow organisers to take the event to the next level and showcase the Central West as a scenic and engaging destination for all cyclists.”