Melis and Bruylandts fastest at the UCI Granfondo Svendborg
The new Gran Fondo Svendborg in Denmark provided local and International riders a chance to qualify for the World Championships to be held in the country at the end of August
The event included a time trial on a 23.2km coastal route on Saturday, and on Sunday, a 157km Granfondo with 1,134m of climbing and a 77km Mediofondo with 448m of climbimng. Thecourses were relatively flat with some gentle undulations.
A total of 1,700 riders from 31 countries registered.
The time trial took place in tricky conditions with 40 km/h winds and light rain in only 12C.
Norweigan Vidar Mehl (Raufoss og Gjøvik SK) recorded the fastest time, finishing in 30m 17s ahead of Marcin Korbowy (30:23) from Poland and local Danish rider Simon Jul Raben (30:44) in third place.
In the women's time trial Trine Andersen (CeramicSpeed Herning CK Elite) was fastest ina time of 34m 6s ahead of Frederikke Asfeldt (34:36) in second and Bianca Christiansen (35:11) in third place.
In the Gran Fondo Dave Bruylandts was fastest in a time of 3h 44m 31s outsprinted breakaway companion Jan Tonnesen who was just 3 seconds behind, with Jone Ellingsen nearly a minute behind the pair in third place.
In the women's Gran Fondo, Femke Melis (KDM – Pack Cycling Team), was the fastest finishing in 3h 52m 18s with Camilla Pedersen 4 seconds behind and Wies De Jong 3 minutes behind the pair in third place.
More than just a race, the UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg was a celebration for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. The event developed over the weekend and ended in heavy rain and hail. Despite the harsh weather on Sunday, many riders expressed their plans to return, especially if the weather improves.
"I have diamonds in my legs. It was just my kind of weather! We had a lot of rain, hail, wind, and sun. It wasn't for the faint-hearted. The route was fantastic and well organised," said TV chef Claus Holm, who rode the Medio Fondo with friends.
Torleif Roberg was fastest in the Mediofondo in a time of 1h 55m 7s and Melina Olsen was the fastest women in a time of 1h 55m 30s.
Jesper Tikob, Event Director for the Danish Cycling Federation (DCF), stressed the importance of the event: "We are very interested in all aspects of cycling and are happy to contribute to both national and international cycling experiences for riders of all ages and levels. Events like this allow us to involve local clubs and ensure that they are part of these major events. The support of the host city and Sport Event Denmark is also essential."
Sport Event Denmark was also pleased with the organisation of the event: "Denmark has showcased our unique cycling DNA through these UCI Gran Fondo races, where both amateur and professional riders take centre stage," said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark.
The UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg is a testament to the thriving cycling culture in Denmark, which is already looking forward to the World Championships in Aalborg, where many of the Svendborg riders will be competing for world titles. The event is organised by the Danish Cycling Federation in cooperation with Svendborg Municipality, Destination Fyn, and Sport Event Denmark.
The event took a step towards greener practices by not distributing goody bags. Prizes were limited to a bouquet of flowers for all winners, and the top three finishers received a bag of mixed flower seeds to promote environmental sustainability. Participants were encouraged to plant these seeds for a greener future.
Link to 2024 UCI Granfondo Svendborg Results: www.sportstiming.dk/event/13160/results
