Over 500 cyclists tackled the Gran Fondo Portorose in Slovenia

This weekend was the first round of Gran Fondo World Tour series, the Gran Fondo Portorose in Slovenia

Over 500 cyclists lined up to take on the Gran Fondo Pororose for distances of 42, 56, 88, and the 133 km Gran Fondo. The 133km Gran Fondo was the qualifying event for the expanding 2018 Gran Fondo World Tour series.

FGWT organizer Dani Buyo commented "As the Gran Fondo Portorose was a non-competitive event we have now more than 100 cyclists with 1,000 Gran Fondo World Tour points on the top of the world ranking."

Last year's Yellow Jersey winner Jonas Orset from Norway, with bib no 1, lined up to defend his title.

The 133km Gran Fondo even crossed over the Slovenia-Croatia border at one point.

Buyo continued "Next weekend sees the opening round in North America, the Saddleback Gran Fondo on March 24 in California. Participants in North America and have 3 rounds and have the same opportunity to step onto the podium, with out having to come and to Europe, were all very excited at the propect of having riders from all over the world taking part, giving them the opportunity to win a share of $36,000 USD in CASH prizes for both men and women."

Photo Below: The top three fastest riders hold this year's mens Yellow leader's Jersey.

The results will be available shortly at http://www.granfondoworldtour.com

For more information on the Gran Fondo Portorose, please visit: http://sportoroz.eu