With only two 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship qualifying events remaining, Marcus Christie (CYCLING CLUB ISLE OF MAN) went two for two at Ireland’s Gran Fondo Sligo this past weekend, winning both gran fondo and time trial races.

The 33 year-old Christie, one of the top Irish time trial racers, started his winning streak on Saturday by clocking the fastest time (30:52) over a 26km route, averaging just under 50 kph. Finishing in second place by only a few seconds was Paul Kennedy (31:04), followed by Ian Inglis (31:14). Hazel Smyth was the fastest woman with a time of 39:56.

On Sunday Christie finished the 135km gran fondo solo in 3:05:12, besting Bryan McCrystal (3:05:37) and Paul Kennedy (3:05:45).

Over 1000 cyclists participated in the first edition of Gran Fondo Ireland Sligo, with riders finishing in the top 25% in their age/gender category qualifying to participate in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

The remaining world championship qualifying events will take place 7 July in Switzerland and 28 July on the Isle of Man, with Denmark hosting the world championships scheduled in late August.

Gran Fondo Ireland Sligo Time Trial results HERE

Gran Fondo Ireland Sligo results (HERE)

Photo Credit: Facebook/Gran-Fondo-Ireland

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