Powell and Lemming fastest at the UCI Gran Fondo Isle of Man

The last qualifying event in the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship series took place on the Isle of Man last Sunday in warm summer sunshine with a Manxman taking first place

About 1,000 competitors from more than 25 counties, including Japan and New Zealand, took part in an annual cycling event held on closed Isle of Man roads.

The two-day event featured a range of races including a 1km family-friendly ride, 32km and 72km races and a time trial.

The 85-mile (137km) route, some of which is held on the TT course, is a qualifying competition for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.

The route, which largely navigates through closed public roads, begins with a mass roll out from Ramsey's Mooragh Park and heads through a range of diverse Manx terrain, including woodland plantations.

Local cyclist Corrin Lemming (Cycling Club IOM) outsprinted pro triathlete Will Draper finishing the 137 km Gran Fondo in 3:48:41. UCI Gran Fondo Ireland champion Marcus Christie finished third, six minutes behind.

In the women's category, former professional cyclist Jennifer Powell (Perfromance Development Team) won the women’s race in 4:17:35. Emily Reynolds was second (4:28:09) and Emily Bridson (4:39:35) was third.

Lemming also won Saturday’s time trial on closed roads 10.5k ascent of the Mountain section of the TT Motorcycle race circuit  in a time of 22:13, Marcus Christie was second 1s behind and Callum Stansbury was third in a time of 22:50. Debrah Moss was the fastest woman in the time trial in a time of 28:25.

In addition to the Gran Fondo, riders participated in a 40-mile Medio Fondo, also a UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier for men over 60 and women over 50.