Gran Fondo Ireland
Sat 29 June & Sun 30 June 2024
Book the 2024 Gran Fondo Ireland with Sportive Breaks
Taking place two months before the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Aalborg, the Gran Fondo Ireland presents riders from the UK and Ireland with a great opportunity to qualify and represent their country at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The World Champs will take place on Thursday 29 August and Sunday 1st September 2024.
The Gran Fondo World Series is coming to Ireland for the first time ever. The global event that is for cyclists of all abilities will be coming to Sligo on the beautiful west coast of the country.
A true Gran Fondo is meant to make an everyday rider feel like a fully supported professional rider, and Gran Fondo Ireland will do so with a real Irish flair.
Gran Fondo Ireland is a part of the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo Series. The event will take place on the 29th & 30th June 2024, with 4 events spread over 2 days.
The event offers 3 different routes: the Gran Fondo(155km), the Medium Fondo (110km) and the Sportive (85km). The Gran Fondo Ireland (GFI) is set to be one of Europe’s top Gran Fondo events, attracting cyclists from all over the world. With the ride intended to grow in popularity each year, it will allow cyclists to explore the tracks and roads of the Wild Atlantic Way.
2024 UCI World Championships in Aalborg
We are now on sale with our packages for Aalborg. You can secure your place on the trip now with our “Book before you qualify” offer. If you aren’t successful in your bid to qualify we will refund your booking free of charge. Our package includes accommodation, mechanics and our own Chef de Mission – Rowland Summerlin who will be there to support you throughout your trip. Click here to find out more.
Qualify for the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Aalborg: Represent your country in Denmark on Sunday 1 September for the Gran Fondo or Thursday 29 August for the Time Trial. Rainbow jerseys are up for grabs.
Book with The Official Tour Operator of British Cycling: Sportive Breaks are the official travel partner for British Cycling.
Hotel in Sligo: The hotel is located in the centre of Sligo just a short distance from the start line.
What's Included?
Accommodation
Hotel in Sligo
Guided Rides
Explore the ITT and Gran Fondo route.
Included Meals
Breakfasts
Transport
Return transfers from Dublin airport available on request.
Event Entry
Entry for the TT and/or Gran Fondo/Medio Fondo available to book at additional cost
What about my bike?
Secure storage at hotel
Itinerary
Day To Day
Please make your own way to meet us in Sligo today at your chosen hotel. Please refer to our ‘How to get to Sligo’ section on travel advice on how to get here.
If you are flying in, then Ireland West Airport Knock is the nearest airport. It is a 45-minute transfer from the airport to Sligo Town. We provide airport transfers to groups on request. As well as for Ireland West Airport Knock, we can also provide quotes for transfers from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, or Shannon airports.
Our team will be available this evening to assist you with building your bike after travel and we will hold a get together so you can meet up with the other riders in the group.
Dinner arrangements this evening are left free for you to enjoy and make your own arrangements. There are many dining options in Sligo.
Please make your own way to meet us in Sligo today at your chosen hotel. Please refer to our ‘How to get to Sligo’ section on travel advice on how to get here.
If you are flying in, then Ireland West Airport Knock is the nearest airport. It is a 45-minute transfer from the airport to Sligo Town. We provide airport transfers to groups on request. As well as for Ireland West Airport Knock, we can also provide quotes for transfers from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, or Shannon airports.
Our team will be available this evening to assist you with building your bike after travel and we will hold a get together so you can meet up with the other riders in the group.
Dinner arrangements this evening are left free for you to enjoy and make your own arrangements. There are many dining options in Sligo.
The UCI Individual Time Trial takes in the scenic route of Strandhill and back into Sligo. The parcours covers 26km but should not be underestimated, with 225 meters of climbing to overcome. Individuals start at 1-minute intervals and race against the clock. The race of truth.
Time Trials will start at 07:30am sharp. Riders will set off at 1-minute intervals, ensuring a thrilling race against the clock. Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo.
This afternoon we offer a guided ride in the local area without obligation to join.
Race briefing this evening.
All four routes benefit from Course Marshalls, Bike Mechanics, and tail vehicle should you land yourself in any difficulty. All races (The Gran Fondo, the Medium Fondo and the Sportive will start at 07:30am at Wine Street R292 and finish at Doorly Park in Sligo
Gran Fondo – 155km serves as UCIGFWS Qualification race for all male categories under 60.
The Classic Gran Fondo Route includes a scenic spin along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, riding through farmlands and rugged coastline. The Gran Fondo Route boasts 1,176 meters of climbing. The Gran Fondo will have three fantastic rest stops. The Gran Fondo real test for more intermediate and advanced cyclists.
The Medium Fondo – 110km serves as UCIGFWS Qualification race for all male categories over 60 and all female categories.
The Medium Fondo Route stretches along the Atlantic coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and back to Sligo Town, catching all the great scenic views on offer with 993 meters of climbing. The Medium Fondo has two fantastic rest stops and will suit intermediate cyclists with a good endurance base who want to challenge themselves.
Sportive 85km – not a qualifying race
The Sportive is designed for riders who want a Gran Fondo experience yet prefer a shorter riding distance. This route features a flat-to-rolling course with one fantastic rest stop and 933 meters of climbing.
Please check out of the hotel today. We may see you again in Aalborg in a months time for the World Championships!
Packages and Prices
Join us in Sligo for the 2024 Gran Fondo World Championships. We will have a to assist you during your trip.
4 Night TT and Gran Fondo tour (Thu – Mon)
- £699 per person based on two people sharing a twin (2 single beds)
- £889 based on a single occupancy of a room.
Included with your weekend
- Stay at 4* The Address hotel in the centre of Sligo
- Daily breakfasts
- Entry for the ITT and Gran Fondo/ Medio Fondo/ Sportive
- All taxes are included
- The services of our bike guide and bike mechanic
- Airport transfers from Dublin Airport
More About the Event
All four routes benefit from Course Marshalls, Bike Mechanics, and tail vehicle should you land yourself in any difficulty.
Gran Fondo – 155km
UCIGFWS Qualification Status: All male categories under 60
The Classic Gran Fondo Route includes a scenic spin along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, riding through farmlands and rugged coastline. The Gran Fondo Route boasts 1,176 meters of climbing. The Gran Fondo will have three fantastic rest stops. The Gran Fondo real test for more intermediate and advanced cyclists.
Start Time
The Classic Gran Fondo will start at 07:30am sharp Sunday 30th June 2024.
The Route
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare and picking up the N59. At Beltra the GF turns right and picks up the Wild Atlantic Way. The GF turns left at Carrowhubbock onto the R298, taking the event towards the N59. Turning right of the N59 the event makes it way towards Bonniconlon. At Bonniconlon the GF turns left onto the R294 passing by Lough Talt. The GF remains on the R294 passing through Tobercurry before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Medium Fondo – 110km approx.
UCIGFWS Qualification Status: All male categories over 60 and All female categories
The Medium Fondo Route stretches along the Atlantic coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and back to Sligo Town, catching all the great scenic views on offer with 993 meters of climbing. The Medium Fondo has two fantastic rest stops and will suit intermediate cyclists with a good endurance base who want to challenge themselves.
Start Time
The Medium Fondo will start at 07:30am sharp Sunday 30th June 2024.
The Route
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the MF heads towards Mullany’s Cross, turning left onto the R294.The MF remains on the R294 passing through Tobercurry before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Sportive – 85km approx.
The Sportive is designed for riders who want a Gran Fondo experience, yet prefer a shorter riding distance. This route features a flat-to-rolling course with one fantastic rest stop and 933 meters of climbing.
Start Time
The Sportive will start at 07:30am sharp Sunday 30th June 2024.
The Route
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 heading towards Ballysadare, Collooney and Coolaney. From Coolaney the Sportive turns left onto L2801 towards Derrybeg before joining the R296 and Ballymote. The event crosses over the N4 to Drumfin and Riverstown before joining the R284 through Ballygawley and towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
Time Trial Route – 26km
UCIGFWS Qualification Status: All male categories and all female categories
The UCI Individual Time Trial takes in the scenic route of Strandhill and back into Sligo. The parcours cover 26km but should not be underestimated, with 225 meters of climbing to overcome. Individuals start at 1-minute intervals and race against the clock. The race of truth.
Start Time
Time Trials will take place on Saturday morning, 29th June, at 07:30am sharp. Riders will set off at 1-minute intervals, ensuring a thrilling race against the clock.
The Route
The route will take in the following areas in Sligo Town and the county.
Start: Wine Street R292, moving towards Strandhill and remaining on the R292 to Ransboro. Turning right the TT stays on the R292 going through Kilmacowen and heading towards the N4 before joining the N59. The TT turns left onto the R284 heading towards Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery before turning left onto Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
Finish: Doorly Park, Sligo
You're in safe hands
We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have been organising cycling trips for over 25 years. We are members of ABTA and ATOL so book with confidence.
Plenty to choose from
Did you know? We offer the biggest selection of European Gran Fondo and Cyclo-Sportive events.
Spread your payments
Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking. *Selected products. Terms and Conditions apply.
Logistics covered
We know the routes, we know the roads. We know how the event works and the best hotels for the start and finish. We organise everything for you; transfers, bike transport, additional feed stops, rep support and more.
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