Gran Fondo Australia will launch the 2021 UCI Gran Fondo World Series Championship

Gran Fondo Australia will officially launch the 2021 UCI Gran Fondo World Series which is scheduled to take place on the first weekend of February in Ballarat, Victoria

The first event scheduled on the calendar to launch officially the 2021 UCI Gran Fondo World Series is Gran Fondo Australia who is scheduled to take place on the first weekend of February in Ballarat, Victoria.

The Gran Fondo and time trial are part of a week of national championships including Elite and U19 races, all battling for the national champion jersey. The Time trial national championships will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday is the day for the criterium race and the weekend is kept for the road races.

The time trial qualifier on Wednesday is a three laps time trial for a total distance of 23.6km.  Event Manager Justin Lane said, “It’s a technical course with some short sharp climbs. The corners through Federation University and the fast technical Fisken Rd descent will be sure to keep riders on their toes over the 23.6 kilometre course.  Riders start with an interval of 1 minute.”

And the Gran Fondo?

“The Gran Fondo Road Race features the renowned Midland Highway and Mount Buninyong climb. Although not the hardest climb around, 5 times up it for a total elevation gain of over 1000 metres in 58km will certainly test the strength and fitness of all the competing riders for a tough but rewarding Gran Fondo event.”

Are there any restrictions due to the Corona virus?

“Yes, we are capping entries at 500 for the road race and 150 for the time trial. These numbers will increase as restrictions ease. In 2020 it was a sell-out event.”

Ballarat promotes itself as cycling capital of Australia.  Why do riders visit Ballarat?

“The Australian Road Nationals Championships have been held in Ballarat for the last 14 years, making it known as the cycling capital of Australia, however it is not only for the elite riders, with an abundance of cycling tracks, rail trails, routes and locations to explore on the road, gravel or mountain bike, with friends or the whole family.”

For more information, visit https://www.roadnationals.org.au/ride/gran-fondo