A Gran Fondo is an organized, often large-scale cycling event for amateur and recreational cyclists , characterized by a long distance and often challenging routes . The term comes from Italian and literally means "long distance" or "long ride" .

Characteristics of a Gran Fondo:

• Long distance : Typical distances are between 100 and 200 kilometers or more.

• Elevation gain : Many Gran Fondos lead over mountains or hilly terrain with several thousand meters of elevation gain.

• Mass start : Often, the start is in the style of a race with timing , usually with a mass start.

• For everyone : Participation is usually possible without a license , but is aimed at ambitious amateur athletes .

• Catering and organization : There are catering stations , technical support , security measures and often a supporting program .

• Competitive nature or leisurely ride : Some events measure time on specific sections ("Strava segments"), others on the entire route, while still others forgo time measurement altogether.

Examples of well-known Gran Fondos:

• L'Étape du Tour (France) : Official Tour de France stage for amateurs.

• Maratona dles Dolomites (Italy) : One of the most famous and beautiful Gran Fondos in the world.

• GFNY (Gran Fondo New York) : A globally held racing format with international flair.

• Ötztaler Radmarathon (Austria) : A very tough variant, often also referred to as Gran Fondo.

Differences to a bicycle race:

• In a classic road race, the primary focus is on placement and tactics , while in a Gran Fondo , the challenge, scenery, and the shared experience take center stage.

• The participants in a Gran Fondo start together , but there are usually no team tactics like in professional cycling.

A Gran Fondo is more than just a bike tour – it's a sporting challenge, an experience with like-minded people, and often a ride through spectacular landscapes . For many cyclists, a Gran Fondo is a personal highlight of the season.