2026 ROAD CYCLING GRAN FONDO CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
2026 ROAD CYCLING GRAN FONDO CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
2026 MTB MARATHON & STAGE RACE CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
2026 ROAD CYCLING GRAN FONDO CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
Whether you want to conquer the cobbles of Flanders, the high altitudes of the Dolomites, or the coastal roads of South Africa, 2026 offers an incredible schedule. Here is the month-by-month breakdown of the world’s premier amateur cycling events.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY: SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE & EARLY SEASON
While Europe is cold, the season kicks off in the Southern Hemisphere and the Mediterranean islands.
Feb 8, 2026 | Granfondo Diano Marina (Italy): The traditional Italian season opener on the sunny Ligurian coast.
Feb 15, 2026 | UAE Tour Challenge (UAE): A fast, flat desert experience for those seeking early-season warmth.
Feb 22, 2026 | Granfondo Laigueglia (Italy): The first major competitive test in the Italian calendar.
MARCH: THE SPRING CLASSICS & THE CAPE
Mar 8, 2026 | Granfondo Strade Bianche (Italy): Tuscany’s iconic white gravel roads.
Mar 8, 2026 | Cape Town Cycle Tour (South Africa): The world’s largest timed cycle race with over 30,000 riders and stunning coastal views.
Mar 22, 2026 | Mallorca 312 (Spain): One of the most famous international events. 312km around the island of Mallorca on fully closed roads.
APRIL: COBBLES AND BERGS
Apr 4, 2026 | We Ride Flanders (Belgium): The amateur Tour of Flanders. Conquer the Koppenberg and the Oude Kwaremont the day before the pros.
Apr 11, 2026 | Paris-Roubaix Challenge (France): Survive the "Hell of the North" and finish in the legendary velodrome.
Apr 25, 2026 | Liège-Bastogne-Liège Challenge (Belgium): Tackle the steep "côtes" of the Ardennes in the oldest of the Classics.
MAY: THE ROADS TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
May 17, 2026 | 3RIDES Gran Fondo (Germany): Part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series in Aachen, a key qualifying event.
May 24, 2026 | Nove Colli (Italy): The 55th edition of the "Nine Hills," the heart and soul of Italian cycling.
May 31, 2026 | L'Étape Greece by Tour de France (Greece): A chance to ride a Tour de France style stage through the historic landscapes of Ancient Olympia.
JUNE: THE ALPINE GIANTS
Jun 7, 2026 | Granfondo Stelvio Santini (Italy): The ultimate mountain test ending at the 2,758m summit of the Stelvio.
Jun 14, 2026 | Sportful Dolomiti Race (Italy): Europe’s toughest Gran Fondo starting and ending in Feltre.
Jun 21, 2026 | Dragon Ride (Wales, UK): Known as the most challenging ride in the UK, featuring the stunning Brecon Beacons.
Jun 28, 2026 | Granfondo Gavia e Mortirolo (Italy): Conquer the steepest ramps in the Italian Alps.
JULY: THE CROWN JEWELS
July 5, 2026 | Maratona dles Dolomites (Italy): The most sought-after bib in cycling. A televised masterpiece through the UNESCO Dolomites.
July 5, 2026 | L’Étape du Tour (France): The definitive Tour de France experience. Ride the exact route of a mountain stage from the 2026 Tour.
July 12, 2026 | La Fausto Coppi (Italy): An epic high-altitude race starting from the heart of Cuneo.
AUGUST: THE ULTIMATE ENDURANCE
Aug 2, 2026 | UCI Gran Fondo World Championships (Location TBD): The elite event for amateur riders (qualification required).
Aug 23, 2026 | GFNY World Championship NYC (USA): The flagship event of the GFNY series, crossing the George Washington Bridge.
Aug 30, 2026 | Ötztaler Radmarathon (Austria): 227km, 5,500m of climbing. The hardest one-day race in the Alps.
SEPTEMBER: SCENIC FINALES
Sept 6, 2026 | Marmotte Pyrénées (France): Tackle the Tourmalet, Hautacam, and Soulor in this legendary French challenge.
Sept 13, 2026 | Granfondo Squali (Italy): A beautiful race between the sea and the hills of the Marche region.
Sept 27, 2026 | Granfondo Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): A spectacular international event along the Brazilian coastline.
OCTOBER: THE SEASON'S END
Oct 11, 2026 | Granfondo Il Lombardia (Italy): Finish your year on the Ghisallo climb, following the route of the "Race of the Falling Leaves."