UCI Gran Fondo World Series Concludes Successfully in Wuzhishan, Hainan

More than 30 countries and regions, including China, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, and South Korea, were represented, with riders competing for qualifying spots to the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

On December 14, the UCI Gran Fondo World Series (Hainan Wuzhishan) kicked off at the Sanyuesan Square. As the final race in Hainan of the world’s largest mass participation cycling series, the race followed the classic “Queen Stage” route of the Tour of Hainan (UCI 2.Pro), stretching approximately 80.74 km with 1,644 meters of elevation gain, finishing atop the 787-meter-high Atuo Ridge.

The route presented a pure climber’s test, traversing the scenic trails of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. The final 13.4 km climb to Atuo Ridge, with an average gradient of 4.1%, demanded sustained high power and smart pacing. Rain from the previous day added a layer of technical challenge with damp, slightly slippery roads, while providing cool and misty racing conditions.

The route presented a pure climber’s test, traversing the scenic trails of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park.

China’s Chen Hao claimed victory with a time of 2:12:23. “It was a very tough course. I tried to break away early, was caught by a Korean group around 35 km, and then attacked again over the last 7 km to finish strong,” he said after the race. “Winning on such a classic climb means a lot.”

China’s Chen Hao claimed victory with a time of 2:12:23

Local rider Liao Jie noted the stage was the most challenging of the three Hainan races. “It’s all climbing, including the famous ‘Queen Stage’ to Atuo Ridge. I also learned a lot watching the technical descending skills of the international riders.”

Germany’s Anton Breuste described the final climb as the biggest challenge but praised the organization: “The competition was intense from the start, but the weather was perfect, the roads were in great condition, and safety measures were excellent.”

Women’s winner Li Si, who rode solo to the top, said, “The weather was ideal—not too hot, not too cold. The Wuzhishan climb is a must-ride for any cyclist.”

Following the race, the top 25% of finishers in each age group secured their places for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. A lively awards ceremony was held at Sanyuesan Square, where category winners were presented with UCI medals and the coveted rainbow jerseys.

The event was authorized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and organized by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Hainan Provincial Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Department, the People’s Governments of Danzhou, Wuzhishan, and Lingao, with operational support from Hainan Cycle International Road Cycling Race Co., Ltd.

Stage 1 Report: UCI Gran Fondo World Series Launches in Hainan with Spectacular Coastal Stage

Stage 2 Report: UCI GFWS Hainan Day2: Individual Time Trial Decided by Seconds in Danzhou Yangpu

For more information, please visit: https://www.ucigranfondo.cn

Germany’s Anton Breuste described the final climb as the biggest challenge but praised the organization