At the 2021 edition of Gran Fondo Nairo, hosted by Colombia’s best cyclist of all time, Nairo Quintana announced he would be taking his namesake amateur cycling event on the road and around the world. Now, Quintana has announced that San Luis Potosi, Mexico will be the first stop on 23 October 2022.

“We reviewed the city. We saw how wonderful San Luis Potosí is. I am excited to get to know that beautiful land, but I will also bring my friends to participate,” he wrote on social media.

The champion of two of the three grand tours, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, might still have a few more victories in his legs, but is also looking down the road to set up a post-racing career gran fondo series – similar to George Hincapie’s.

Gran Fondo Nairo has been a very popular amateur race in Colombia, attracting over 3000 cyclists each year and Quintana expects the Mexican edition to be even larger.

Taking place from 21-23 October, the event will include a Velofest cycling trade show in addition to a 160 kilometres Gran Fondo and a Medio Fondo of 80 kilometers in length.

San Luis Potosí Mayor Enrique Galindo Ceballos, an avid mountain biker, plans to participate after he gets in some asphalt miles, “I’m used to mountain biking, but I’ll start road biking now,” he said.

Located a 4 hour drive north of Mexico City, San Luis Potosí will also host a UCI Gran Fondo Gran Fondo World Series race in June, allowing amateur road cyclists the opportunity to qualify for the annual Gran Fondo World Championships.

PHOTOS: Gran Fondo Nairo Quintana

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