Gran Fondos are big business and a gold mine for the UCI.
A study just released by the UCI and EY highlights the economic impact of hosting UCI Gran Fondo World Series events, where amateur cyclists participate at regional races to qualify and then race in the World Championships.
Detailed analysis of the 2018 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Varese, Italy showed 3105 participants along with 1770 friends and family spent 4.4 million Euros in the region on accommodations food and entertainment.
That’s the equivalent of generating 70 new full time jobs.
It’s why the event offers a festive venue, closed roads, moto police escorts, downtown start/finish and full support from local government and business.
In Varese 94% of the participants were not local and spent an average of five nights or more in the region.
81% brought their own cheering team – spouse, friend or child.
For 60%, Varese was their first time racing in a World Championship.
Everyone had a good time, both on and off the bike, with 86% saying they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their World Championship experience.
For 2020 the UCI Gran Fondo World Series is growing, offering 28 exciting and challenging regional events all over the globe.
Riders finishing in the top 20% of their age group qualify to ride in the UCI Gran Fond World Championships to be held September 9-13 in Vancouver, Canada.
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 