Gran Fondo
Isle of Man
Sat 22 July & Sun 23 July 2023
Book the 2023 Gran Fondo Isle of Man with Sportive Breaks
Taking place just two weeks before the World Championships in Scotland, the Gran Fondo Isle of Man is your final chance to qualify and represent your country at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships which take place on Friday 4 August and Monday 7 August 2023.
Gran Fondo Isle of Man is one of only two true competitive Gran Fondo events staged in the British Isles, held on a mostly closed road 137 km parcours. This year’s Gran Fondo is a qualification round for the prestigious 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World championships which will take place in Perth, Scotland in August 2023. Every year cycling professionals like Manx born Mark Cavendish take the start line at this event. Ben Swift of Team Ineos also took part. In 2022 Gran Fondo winner was Christopher Lawless of Total Energies in a time of 3 hours 41 minutes. Second was Tyler Hannay and third was Thomas Dhooge.
Qualify for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Scotland: Represent your country in Scotland on Friday 4 August for the Gran Fondo or Monday 7 August for the Time Trial. Rainbow jersey up for grabs.
Book with the official Tour Operator: Sportive Breaks are the official fan and amateur travel partners for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships including the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
What's Included?
Accommodation
Hotel in Douglas
Guided Rides
Explore the ITT and Gran Fondo route
Included Meals
Breakfasts and Dinners
Transport
Return transfer to the hotel from the airport and ferry port
Transport
Return transfer to the start/ finisi of TT and Gran Fondo
Event Entry
Entry for the TT and/or Gran Fondo available to book at additional cost
What about my bike?
Secure storage at hotel. Mechanic available.
Guided rides
Return transfer to the start/ finish of TT and Gran Fondo
Itinerary
Day To Day
Arrive today if you are taking part in the ITT and you’d like to join our ITT course recce tomorrow (Friday).
Please make your own arrangements to travel to the Isle of Man. We will run a shuttle transfer service from the airport and from the ferry port to connect with arriving flights and ferries.
What about my bike?
You can bring your own bike if you are flying or driving as well as we have planned to transport bike boxes on our transfers. Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with building your own bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel.
Our hotel
We are staying at hotel Mannin in Douglas on a half board basis so with breakfasts and evening meals included.
Please make your own arrangements to travel to the Isle of Man. We will run a shuttle transfer service from the airport and from the ferry port to connect with arriving flights and ferries.
What about my bike?
You can bring your own bike if you are flying or driving as well as we have planned to transport bike boxes on our transfers. Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with building your own bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel.
ITT route recce
This afternoon we will collect you from the hotel and take you and your bike to the ITT course. From 14.00 we will give you the option to join us on our route recce of the ITT course. The course is just 9 miles long, but it does include a fair bit of climbing so it’s worth checking it out.
Late afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. We will have an evening meal together at the hotel.
The Individual Time Trial takes in the climb of Snaefell Mountain on the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing circuit. The parcours covers just 9 km but should not be underestimated, with a total of 400 meters of climbing to overcome.
Gran Fondo route recce
For those who are not doing the TT, we offer a guided recce of some key sections of the Gran Fondo route.
We will also visit the expo in Ramsey to collect race packs for tomorrow.
Late afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you. We will have an evening meal together at the hotel.
Gran Fondo Isle of Man boasts 6,500ft of spectacular climbing around a largely closed road course. Clocking in at the slightly modest distance of 85miles, it would be foolish to underestimate the challenging nature of our Grandest Fondo. After all, the Isle of Man’s roads have tested to their limits, some of the world’s greatest cyclists; think Coppi, Simpson, Fignon and Millar.
The Gran Fondo gets underway in style with a mass roll out from Mooragh Park, before the peloton is escorted out of the neutralised zone. 80miles of spectacular and unique racing await our competitors when the flag drops – almost entirely held on closed roads, as well as an un-surfaced ‘Strade Bianche’ style blast through a forest plantation.
Packed with the Island’s toughest climbs, competitors will be faced with 25% gradients as they conquer each classic ascent – another stunning vista the only reward before plunging towards the sea that flanks those leg breaking hills.
Whether racing to win, or riding to finish, Gran Fondo Isle of Man is a true test of legs and lungs – one that rewards competitors with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Transport back to the hotel and evening meal.
Please check out of the hotel today. We may see you again in Scotland in two week’s time for the world championships!
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More About the Event
Sport is a major part of Manx life, from high-speed road racing in the form of the TT, through to lower profile but just as demanding events such as the Parish Walk.
In addition to the cycling activities there will be a range of festival-style events including live music, activities for all the family and lots of local produce and food options to keep you going. The 2023 event will take place at the idyllic Mooragh Park on the 23rd of July. The most well-known route is the 85 mile Gran Fondo which is only one of three competitive race staged Grand Fondo within the British Isles. You may spot a few familiar faces at the start line as last year the world famous “Manx Missile” Mark Cavendish lead the rolling start.
Is 85 miles too far? Why not take part in the Medio Fondo (45miles), Piccolo Fondo (20 miles) or the family friendly Minisculo Fondo (1/2 mile).
The Gran Fondo Isle of Man events all start and finish in Ramsey’s fabulous Mooragh Park, which will also hosts the Riders Village. The Riders Village features a range of high quality food and beverage options for riders and their supporters to enjoy, with a giant LED screen showing live coverage of the World Tour Cycling from around the globe.
The Riders Village also features a ‘Service Course’ offering pre ride technical support from leading bike emporium Cycle 360, massage facilities to ease those post ride aches and pains as well as Race HQ and Medical Facilities.
Meanwhile the Park itself boasts excellent leisure facilities which visitors of all ages will appreciate including a 12 acre boating lake, tennis courts, a bowling green, BMX track and a crazy golf course as well as a children’s playground and special water play area.
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.
