UCI Gran Fondo World Championships Qualifier

Gran Fondo Isle of Man powered by Santander International 2022 is one of only two true competitive Gran Fondo events staged in the British Isles, held on a mostly closed roads 137 km parcours. This year’s Isle of Man Gran Fondo takes place on Sunday 17th July on a challenging undulating course. The Individual Time Trial takes place on Saturday the 16th. Both events are qualifier events for the 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Trento, Italy.

Unrestricted travel to the Isle of Man is due to resume on the 31st March 2022. Up to date information will be available on the event web site. Organisers will comply with all Covid protocols that could be in place at the time. 

Cycling Specialists Destination Sport Experiences, working with Isle of Man based Mannlink Travel are the official travel partners of the event. To facilitate travel and logistics there are full event packages including race entry, travel, and accommodation as well as bespoke experiences including course recce, pasta party, bike transport to and from the British Isles and hotel and race transfers.

The Gran Fondo starts and finishes from the scenic Mooragh Park in Ramsey. After a warm up on the Island's Northern plains, the first real test is the climb out of Ballaugh Glen known as Druidale. The route will then take riders towards the west of the Island before heading up the beautiful but brutal coastal Round Table climb. The final test is the mighty Injebreck which is the hardest climb on the Isle of Man. The overall route features over 1900 metres of climbing, including gradients of over 25%, with a separate ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the Mountains competition over the cumulative timed ascents of the three major climbs. The varied course also takes in several technical descents as well as a 2km gravel section and forest fire trail roads.

The Individual Time Trial takes in the climb of Snaefell Mountain on the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing circuit. The parcours covers just 9 km but should not be underestimated, with a total of 400 meters of climbing to overcome.

Riders who finish in the top 20% of their age category in either the Gran Fondo or Time Trial events qualify to represent their country in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series final which will take place in Trento, Italy, in September. Destination Sport Experiences can look after you in Italy too!

Qualify at the Gran Fondo Isle of Man and get a 10% discount on your travel package to the world championships in Trento.

The UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will take place in Trento, Italy from the 15th to the 18th of September 2022. The UCI gives riders a fantastic opportunity to represent their country! The Rainbow jersey is up for grabs in various age categories in two different races which are the individual time trail and the road race. The road races start on the cathedral square of Trento and finish on Monte Bondone. Get prepared with a Giro d'Italia Stage winner! Our lead guide Andrea Ferrigato will ensure you get the best preparation for the event.