Gran fondo riders will need to keep an eye out for recumbent lowriders this year at prominent events as the fledgling Recumbent Granfondo World Cup begins its first season of competition.

For those unfamiliar with recumbents, also know as “bents” or “lowriders”, they are innovative 2-3 wheeled bicycles that allow the rider to sit in a low reclined position that affords better comfort, superb aerodynamics, and much faster speeds than traditional upright bicycles.

Sounds great… but not to the UCI.

Since 1 April 1934, no joke, the Union Cycliste Internationale has banned recumbent bikes from competing in events sanction by the world governing body of cycling, except at para-cycling events. But that has not stopped recumbent riders from setting land speed records, holding world championships and now having their own World Cup competition.

The Recumbent World Tour Alliance is organizing the 2026 World Cup series, complete with official regulations, rankings and 8 competitions scheduled at gran fondos around the world. For the purpose of rankings, only amateur cyclists on two-wheeled recumbent bicycles without aerodynamic fairings will be scored.

Get all the lowdown on Recumbent Granfondo World Cup racing HERE

Photo Credit: CruzBike.com

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