The 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.
All four routes benefit from Course Marshalls, Bike Mechanics, and tail vehicle should you land yourself in any difficulty.
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.
Download start list7.30am sharp start from the pen.
Arrive by 7.00am
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. Heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the route heads towards Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley, after Ballygawley the turns left back to Ballysadare and completing a 2 lap of the route before heading towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Sligo Woodland School.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
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.
Download start list8.12am sharp start from the pen.
Arrive by 7.30am
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. Heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the route heads towards 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 Sligo Woodland School.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
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.
8.17am sharp start from the pen.
Arrive by 7.30am
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. Heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the route heads towards 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 Sligo Woodland School.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
7.30am
Individuals start at 1 minute intervals. Start times will be published this Thursday 27th.
Please arrive 30 minutes before allocated start time.
Start: Just off the Tobar Bhride Roundabout outside Collooney. The events moves along the old N4 towards Castlebaldwin. With a dead turn in the road, the race makes its way back to the industrial estate to finish the event.
Finish: Tobar Bhride Roundabout, Sligo
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.
Book accommodationHold 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.