UPDATE 19 October 2023: The organizer of Gran Fondo Israel has announced the 2023 event is cancelled.

With the continued cycle of Israel-Palestine violence, a horrific attack by the militant group Hamas and Israel formally declaring war, one of the newest additions to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series is in jeopardy and at serious risk of cancellation.

Gran Fondo Israel is scheduled to take place in less than two months on 1-2 December in the southern Israeli port city of Eliat on the Red Sea. UCI Gran Fondo World Championship qualifying races include a 22 kilometer individual time trial on Friday, followed by a 140 kilometers long gran fondo on Saturday. Riders finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender category at a qualifying race have the opportunity to attend the 2024 world championships in Denmark.

But now the entire country of Israel is on war-footing, beginning an extensive military mobilization effort for a complete siege and expected invasion of Gaza to “wipe the Palestinian militant group Hamas off the face of the earth,” according to statements from Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu. He also warned citizens to expect a “long and difficult” war.

To support the Israeli government’s war plans, the Ministry of Culture and Sports has cancelled all sporting events in the country due to security concerns and the possibility of further escalation in the region. In addition, major air carriers, tour operators and cruise lines around the world have suspended service to Israel, with no word on when service might resume.

Gran Fondo Daily reached out to Gran Fondo Israel and the city of Eliat for comment without reply.

Photo Credit: Eyad Baba/AFP

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