The 6th edition of 66 Degrés Sud – La Cyclo, part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, began on Thursday with an uphill individual time trial in the Pyrénées-Orientales, southern France, with the gran fondo following on Saturday. With UCI Gran Fondo World Championship starting bibs at stake, competitors rocketed out of the start house.
Spain’s Luis Borras Frau (C.C Mancor de la Vall) — a Mallorcan rider with a proven record in masters time trialling — was fastest overall over the 23 km / +356 m course starting in Corneilla-la-Rivière, clocking 33:23.34 at an average speed of 41.33 km/h. France’s Florian Auberger, a former professional active until 2024, was second in 34:03.00 (+0:39.66), with compatriot Auguste Castellan third in 34:23.61 (+1:00.26).
Britain’s Hayley Simmonds brought genuine elite credentials to the women’s race. A two-time British National Time Trial Champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Simmonds was fastest woman, finishing 46th overall in 40:41.63. France’s Gwénaëlle Legendre was second in 41:06.25, with the Netherlands’ Amber Hakstege third in 42:43.88.
The top 25% in each age-group category earn qualification for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, set for 26–30 August in Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan.
Saturday’s road races shift to Canet-en-Roussillon on the Mediterranean coast, where the Gran Fondo (186 km / +2,270 m) and Medio Fondo (138 km / +1,570 m) will decide further qualification spots for Japan.
66 Degrés Sud Time Trial results HERE
66 Degrés Sud Gran Fondo results HERE (Saturday)
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