News: Isle of Man Grand Fondo

Gran Fondo Isle of Man will celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2020 moving to a two-day format of closed roads cycling for all ages and abilities.

News: Isle of Man Grand Fondo

GRAN FONDO ISLE OF MAN RETURNS FOR 5TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW TWO DAY CYCLING SCHEDULE

Gran Fondo Isle of Man will celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2020 moving to a two-day format of closed roads cycling for all ages and abilities. This weekend of cycling action gets underway on Saturday 18th of July with the return of the Minisculo Fondo which made its first appearance on the schedule last year. The family-friendly Fondo held over a
half-mile circuit around Ramsey’s Mooragh Park attracted hundreds of young cyclists in 2019 as they completed an hour’s worth of riding in a safe, fully closed roads environment.

The Riders Village will also open on Saturday, featuring a range of high quality food and beverage options for riders and their supporters to enjoy, with a giant LED screen showing coverage of the final two stages of the Tour de France; including the classic finish along the Champs Elysees. Sunday’s schedule meanwhile sees the return of the Gran, Medio and Piccolo Fondos taking place over almost fully closed roads courses of 85 miles, 40 miles and 20 miles respectively.

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The main event is undoubtedly the PokerStars Gran Fondo; one of only two true competitive Gran Fondo events staged in the British Isles. Held on a course described as ‘brutal but beautiful’ by Cycling Weekly, the Gran Fondo offers mile after mile of spectacular and unique racing, taking in some of the Island’s toughest climbs and most beautiful landscapes.

Pros and amateurs will line up shoulder to shoulder in what has become a truly unique cycling experience, with the event having previously attracted riders of the calibre of Tour de France sprinting legend Mark Cavendish MBE, current British Champion Ben Swift as well as Moto GP ace and elite cyclist Cal Crutchlow. Starting alongside the Gran Fondo, the Medio Fondo is aimed at recreational riders who want to test themselves that little bit further. The 40-mile course boasts one of the Island’s most challenging ascents –
as well as one of its very best descents – offering the perfect balance of effort and reward. And new for 2020, the Medio Fondo will include a separate category for eBikes for the first time, acknowledging the rising popularity of pedal assist machines.

Starting separately and aimed at families and beginners, the Piccolo Fondo winds its way around the peaceful coastline and flatter farmland of the Island’s northern plains, through a patchwork of tiny villages and church steeples, set amongst the fields and blooming hedgerows. Set over two days, with four separate cycling challenges, Gran Fondo Isle of Man 2020 is not to be missed.

Entries are now open at www.granfondoiom.com, with a 15% Earlybird Discount on all entries made by the 29th of February.

Gran Fondo Isle of Man 2020 Schedule

Saturday 18 July
– 12.00 Riders Village Opens
– 14.00 Minisculo Fondo

Sunday 19 July
– 08.00 Riders Village Opens
– 10.00 PokerStars Gran Fondo
– 10.00 Medio Fondo
– 10.10 Piccolo Fondo