The European Cycling Union (UEC) Granfondo Championships have been awarded to France and the famous L’Ardéchoise cyclosportive for the next two years. It will be the first time the event has taken place outside of Italy, which hosted the championship from 2019-2023.

The 31st edition of L’Ardéchoise will host mass start gran fondo and medio fondo races in Saint-Felicien on Saturday 15 June 2024 as part of a four-day festival that attracts upwards of 15,000 cyclists from around the world.

President of the UEC Enrico Della Casa made the announcement: “Talking about L’Ardéche in the world of the cycling undoubtedly means talking about an iconic event and the fact that the European Championships 2024 and 2025 will take place in Saint-Félicien represents for our federation a source of pride and satisfaction. Throughout its thirty-year history, L’Ardéchoise has perfectly enclosed what is the philosophy of mass events, combining the sporting aspect with the peculiarities of mass events in terms of tourism, economy [and] promotion of the territory… thereby improving the quality of life for residents in the long term.”

Louis Clozel, President of L’Ardéchoise, added, “We are proud to be able to welcome such an event on our roads for the next two years. It is a recognition of our competence and the importance of our event. It’s also a great recognition for our many volunteers.”

The championship competition is open to all riders (European or not) with a UCI recognized racing license. UEC European Champion blue-white-yellow jerseys, along with gold medals, will be awarded across the standard amateur age group categories (19-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+) for the first male and female riders to reach the finish.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ArdechoiseCycloPromotion

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