Granfondo Jordan Dead Sea the first event in the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Series

After a short winter break riders took to the warms roads of Jordan to try and qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships who will take place in Scotland in August this year

The first event that took place in 2023 was a new event at the Dead Sea in Jordan, with a three day stage race, featuring a time trial and two granfondos.

On Thursday, riders took part in a 19.3km flat time trial with a back and forth loop over the same road towards a turning point halfway. Start and finish was a bit north of the Dead Sea.

Former Russian professional rider Aidar Zakarin, brother of WorldTour pro Ilnur Zakarin, was the fastest male with a time of 25m 27s. 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Time Trial Champion, Jessica Rhodes-Jones (Great Britain) was the fastest female, clocking a time of 29m 42s. Over 100 riders participated in the time trial.

The next day, the race started in front of the Movenpick hotel, the 74km course had a flat start, the first hill quickly followed as the road climbed for 18km up to 850m above sea level. The second part of the course was downhill towards the finish with a final flat 10km.

On the Saturday, the 81km course wa mainly the reverse course of Friday with a small additional loop.

It's the first time that the UCI Gran Fondo World Series come to Jordan.

Link to 2023 Granfono Jordan Sea Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7022359184947544064

2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

Tentative dates are Friday 4th August and Monday 7th August for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

No course information for the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo has yet to be released.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cyclingworldchamps.com/championships/gran-fondo