2026 BWR Roadie Oh - May 2 - Register NOW!
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Gran Fondo Isle Of Man Reveals New Off-road Route As Event Enters A New Era
 
Add to My Favourites

Gran Fondo Isle Of Man Reveals New Off-road Route As Event Enters A New Era

Gran Fondo Isle of Man powered by Altenar has officially unveiled its new off-road route, marking a significant evolution for the event as it transitions from a traditional road Gran Fondo into a multi-surface gravel and mountain bike challenge.

Gran Fondo Isle Of Man Reveals New Off-road Route As Event Enters A New Era

After ten years on tarmac, organisers have introduced a newly curated route for the Gran Fondo Gravel and Gran Fondo XC MTB races — one designed to reflect the Isle of Man’s unique terrain, character, and riding culture.

The course delivers a true north-to-south, end-to-end crossing of the island, covering approximately 60 miles and incorporating tarmac, gravel roads, forest tracks, green lanes, historic railway lines, and technical off-road sectors.

This is not a road route with gravel added. It is a route shaped by the island itself.

Designed as a progressive journey, the early sectors favour positioning and bike handling, using narrow lanes, farm tracks, and exposed former RAF airfields to establish race dynamics. As the day unfolds, the terrain becomes increasingly remote and physically demanding, with sustained climbing and technical challenges dominating the second half of the course.

The route features 30 designated off-road and/or C road sectors including Ballacorey Farm, The Curraghs, The Kella, Ballacarnane Farm, 7 Gates, Archallagan Plantation and Eary Cushlin — each selected for their character, difficulty, and strong sense of place. Together, they create a route that rewards adaptability, pacing discipline, and sound decision-making under fatigue.

For the event organisers, Gran Fondo (Isle of Man) Ltd, this shift is a natural evolution after a decade on the road — aligning the event with the rapid growth of gravel cycling while remaining true to the Gran Fondo ethos of challenge, inclusivity, and shared experience.

The course showcases the island’s diversity, passing through working farmland, protected wetlands, historic infrastructure, forest plantations, open moorland, and coastal headlands. The route concludes with a dramatic final ascent over Bradda Head, followed by a technical clifftop descent into Port Erin, where the finish line awaits on the promenade.

from a traditional road Gran Fondo into a multi-surface gravel and mountain bike challenge

Alongside the Gran Fondo Gravel and Gran Fondo XC MTB races, the event weekend will also feature the 30-mile Gran Fondo Challenge — a non-competitive sportive-style ride — as well as the return of the ever-popular Minisculo Fondo. Aimed at younger riders and beginners, the

Minisculo Fondo offers an hour of riding on a fully closed half-mile tarmac loop around Mooragh Park.With the route now revealed, Gran Fondo Isle of Man enters its second decade with a format rooted firmly in terrain, journey, and adventure — positioning the event as one of the most distinctive endurance cycling challenges in the British Isles.

Gran Fondo Isle of Man powered by Altenar takes place on 25–26 July 2026.

Entries for Gran Fondo Isle of Man open on February 25th 2026.

For more information, including entry details, travel, and accommodation, visit grandfondoisleofman.com

 
Add to My Favourites