Gran Fondo Ireland #sligo
ireland’s FIRST-EVER uci gran fondo, set to take place on June 29th & 30th, 2024.
Book your placeThe Gran Fondo World Series is coming to Ireland for the first time ever. The global event that is for cyclists of all abilities will be coming to Sligo on the beautiful west coast of the country. A true Gran Fondo is meant to make an everyday rider feel like a fully supported professional rider, and Gran Fondo Ireland will do so with a real Irish flare.
The Gran Fondo Ireland (GFI) is set to be one of Europe's top Gran Fondo events, attracting cyclists from all over the world. With the ride intended to grow in popularity each year, it will allow cyclists to explore the tracks and roads of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Starting in June 2024, Gran Fondo Ireland #Sligo is the first-ever Gran Fondo event in Ireland to be included in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. The UCI Granfondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. Some 25-30 qualifier events will qualify the top 25% in each age group to the UCI Granfondo World Championships, where the champions are awarded with the coveted rainbow jersey. While promoting high-level competition for both Masters and Amateurs.
The event begins and culminates in Sligo Town, where all participants will be greeted by live entertainment, a finisher’s medal, a Prize Presentation show, food, drink and much more.
In the spirit of the World Gran Fondo Series, the GFI is a highly energetic public cycling event attended by pros, recreational cyclists, and weekend warriors. GFI incorporates timed overall routes, fantastic rest stops, route support mechanics to make sure you keep rolling along.
4 ROUTES FOR ALL ABILITIES
All four routes benefit from Course Marshalls, Bike Mechanics, and tail vehicle should you land yourself in any difficulty.
Gran Fondo
The Classic Gran Fondo Route includes a scenic spin along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, riding through farmlands and rugged coastline. The Gran Fondo Route boasts 1,176 meters of climbing. The Gran Fondo will have three fantastic rest stops. The Gran Fondo real test for more intermediate and advanced cyclists.
The Classic Gran Fondo will start at 07:30am sharp Sunday 30th June 2024.
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare and picking up the N59. At Beltra the GF turns right and picks up the Wild Atlantic Way. The GF turns left at Carrowhubbock onto the R298, taking the event towards the N59. Turning right of the N59 the event makes it way towards Bonniconlon. At Bonniconlon the GF turns left onto the R294 passing by Lough Talt. The GF remains on the R294 passing through Tobercurry before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Medium Fondo
The Medium Fondo Route stretches along the Atlantic coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and back to Sligo Town, catching all the great scenic views on offer with 993 meters of climbing. The Medium Fondo has two fantastic rest stops and will suit intermediate cyclists with a good endurance base who want to challenge themselves.
The Medium Fondo will start at 07:30am sharp Sunday 30th June 2024.
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the MF heads towards Mullany’s Cross, turning left onto the R294.The MF remains on the R294 passing through Tobercurry before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Sportive
The Sportive is designed for riders who want a Gran Fondo experience, yet prefer a shorter riding distance. This route features a flat-to-rolling course with one fantastic rest stop and 933 meters of climbing.
The Sportive will start at 07:30am sharp Sunday 30th June 2024.
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the Sportive turns left onto L2801 towards Derrybeg before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Time Trial Route
The UCI Individual Time Trial takes in the scenic route of Strandhill and back into Sligo. The parcours cover 26km but should not be underestimated, with 225 meters of climbing to overcome. Individuals start at 1-minute intervals and race against the clock. The race of truth.
Time Trials will take place on Saturday morning, 29th June, at 07:30am sharp. Riders will set off at 1-minute intervals, ensuring a thrilling race against the clock.
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 going through Kilmacowen and heading towards the N4 before joining the N59. The TT turns left onto the R284 heading towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Accommodation
Abbey Events are the official accommodation partners to Gran Fondo Ireland 2024.
We have sourced accommodation in and around Sligo town, county and the neighboring counties of Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon. Book one of the many accommodation options and discover that famous Irish hospitality.
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Sligo Secures Full Road Closure for UCI Gran Fondo World Series 2024!
Hold onto your handlebars because this announcement is nothing short of epic – we're thrilled to declare a FULL ROAD CLOSURE for Gran Fondo Ireland, setting the stage for an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike.
The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is set to take centre stage in the picturesque town of Sligo, marking a significant milestone for cycling enthusiasts and the local community alike. We are delighted to announce the complete closure of select roads to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants, transforming the town into a cycling haven for the duration of the event.
