For the first time ever the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will be held in The Americas, specifically in Victoriaville, Canada in September 2026. The UCI Management Committee awarded the most prestigious amateur cycling event to the French Canadian city on Friday.
“The cycling world will have its eyes on Victoriaville as part of the 2026 UCI Grand Fondo World Championships. I would like to congratulate the Appalachian Classic team, whose efforts and passion allowed Victoriaville’s candidacy to be successfully accepted by the selection committee. Once again, Victoriaville and its Region will shine through the organization of this unique international sporting event in America,” André Bellavance, Mayor of Victoriaville said upon hearing the good news.
Similar to the Elite Road World Championships for professional cyclists taking place in Flanders, Belgium this week, the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships is specifically for amateur road cyclists from 18 years-old up to 80+ years.
To participate riders must qualify at regional UCI Gran Fondo World Series events all across the world, including the UCI Appalachian Gran Fondo that took place in Victoriaville this past summer.
Victoriaville expects over over one million dollars in economic impact from 3000 cyclists from as many as 60 countries that will travel to Canada for the event.
PHOTOS: Appalachian Classic
Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 