Pomerode SC, Brazil 07 Nov – 09 Nov 2025 Class UGF – UCI Gran Fondo World Series
Website www.ucigranfondobrasil.com.br
Email info@ucigranfondobrasil.com.br
The history of the UCI Gran Fondo Brasil is quite recent, focusing on its establishment as the sole South American qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
A “Gran Fondo” is an Italian term meaning “big distance” or “great endurance,” referring to long-distance road cycling races where amateur athletes compete in a format similar to professional races.
🇧🇷 Key Historical Milestones
- Foundation and Launch: The UCI Gran Fondo Brasil race was officially launched and confirmed by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) in early 2023.
- Inaugural Edition: The first edition, which marked Brazil’s debut on the UCI Gran Fondo World Series global calendar, took place on November 5, 2023, in the city of Pomerode, Santa Catarina.
- This event immediately became the only qualifying stage in South America for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships (at the time, the 2024 championships in Denmark).
- It featured over a thousand cyclists from various countries.
- Location: The race is held in the European Valley of Santa Catarina (Vale Europeu Catarinense), with the host city often being Pomerode, known for its Germanic culture and considered a hub for cycling in Santa Catarina. The route passes through cities such as Rio dos Cedros, Timbó, and Benedito Novo.
- Development:
- The second edition, in November 2024, solidified the event’s place, again taking place in Pomerode, with around a thousand cyclists and reinforcing its role on the international stage.
- Starting in 2025, the city of Timbó, recognized as the National Capital of Cycle Tourism, became the official host city for the main UCI event.
In addition to the official UCI event, the Gran Fondo Brasil brand also organizes a national circuit of Gran Fondo events in other Brazilian cities, such as Brasília, Goiânia, Gramado, and João Pessoa, aiming to promote the sport and cycle tourism across the country.
In summary, the history of the UCI Gran Fondo Brasil is one of recent success, rapidly establishing an international-standard event in Brazilian road cycling.
