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Isle of Man Gran Fondo reinvents itself as Gravel Fondo from 2026 onwards

The 2025 edition was the last in its road format, with the organising committee opting to switch focus to the rapidly growing gravel cycling scene with an XC MTB race thrown in for good measure

Isle of Man Gran Fondo reinvents itself as Gravel Fondo from 2026 onwards

After a decade of successfully organising large-scale cycling events, Gran Fondo (Isle of Man) Ltd is now turning its attention to the rapidly growing gravel cycling scene. 
 
In July 2026, we will host a mass-participation gravel and XC Mountain Bike event on the Isle of Man. Drawing inspiration from the End 2 End Mountain Bike Race, which took place on the Island for 25 years until 2019, the 2026 edition of Gran Fondo Isle of Man powered by Altenar will present riders with a challenging 100km route featuring over 1600 meters of elevation gain. 
 
The race will kick off in the northern region of the Island and conclude in Castletown, the historic capital situated in the south. 
 
The carefully crafted route will include a mix of gravel roads, single tracks, bridle paths, tarmac, and private land, offering a rich sensory experience for all participants willing to embrace this challenge. 
 
Incorporating some of the iconic climbs that defined the End 2 End Mountain Bike Race, the course will traverse the Island, utilising roads, tracks, and private land that have never been part of a race before, resulting in an event that is both a cycling competition and an adventure!
 
The inaugural Gran Fondo Gravel and Gran Fondo XC mountain bike races will take place on Sunday, July 26.
Starting in the north of the island, the 100-kilometre route heads to the very top of the Isle of Man before sweeping south through rugged coastline, open moorland and scenic trails, finishing in Castletown.
 
Featuring some of the iconic climbs so prominent in the End 2 End, the route will twist and turn its way across the island, utilising roads, tracks and private land never before raced over, creating something that is part cycle race and part adventure.
 
A day earlier on Saturday, July 25 the action begins with two warm-up events: the Minisculo Fondo, a fun, family-friendly event on a half-mile closed-roads circuit designed for children and young riders
 
Also taking place is the Gran Fondo Challenge, a 50 km non-competitive off-road sportive, starting and finishing in the north of the island.
 
The event's schedule is designed to be inclusive and accessible, welcoming riders of all ages and abilities, with events suited to gravel bikes, mountain bikes, cyclo-cross bikes, e-bikes and, in the case of the Piccolo Fondo, traditional road bikes.

2026 Isle of Man Gravel Fondo Schedule

Saturday, July 25
 
11am - Minisculo Fondo
1pm - Gran Fondo Challenge
 
Sunday, July 26th
 
9.30am - Gran Fondo Gravel
9.30am - Gran Fondo XC MTB
 
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