Sligo has been announced as the host of the Gran Fondo Ireland in June.
The Gran Fondo or 'big bike ride' is an established international cycling event, which is set to attract in excess of 3000 cyclists - many of them from overseas - to the North West on the 29th and 30th of June.
Calling all cyclists; the time has finally come...
We are proud to announce that Sligo will host Ireland's First Ever UCI Gran Fondo on June 29th & 30th this year. 👏🏻
Learn more at https://t.co/EQKs0vsbrf🏅#GranFondoSligo #UCI #Cycling #Sligo pic.twitter.com/H2DsuUsYjG
— Sligo County Council (@sligococo) February 2, 2024
The Gran Fondo differs from other cycling tours in that it attracts both elite cyclists and keen amateurs and 'weekend warriors'.
It is the first event of its kind in Ireland to be included in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which is made up of several similar events around the world.
There will be four events over the two days of competition:
A time-trial starting and finishing in Sligo town on Saturday, June 29th
Three distance cycles on Sunday - incorporating the Wild Atlantic Way - on Sunday, June 30th to cater for all cycling abilities.
Event Director Michael Hurl spoke to Ocean FM Sport's Austin O'Callaghan about what Sligo can look forward to this summer:
The event was officially launched by Sligo County Council at City Hall in Quay Street on Friday afternoon.
For more info and entry details, visit the official Gran Fondo website here.
