Just hours before the start of Sunday’s UCI Gran Fondo La Nucia in Alicante, Spain, organisers cancelled the event on orders from government authorities in response to a severe weather alert.
The third edition had already registered about 2,000 riders from 30 countries to race on two routes designed by Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain. The longer course covered 132 kilometres with 2,275 metres of climbing, while the second covered 71 kilometres with 1,000 metres of climbing. The event was a qualifier for the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Organisers described the decision as very difficult after months of preparation but said the safety of participants, volunteers and everyone involved came first. They acknowledged the disappointment of riders who had travelled from across Spain and abroad. Event founder and former Kelme professional Javier Castellar delivered the news alongside two-time Vuelta a España champion Pedro Delgado, who had been due to ride.
An orange rain alert was issued for Alicante province from midnight on Sunday. Football across the Valencian Community was also suspended amid a red weather alert issued by AEMET. Regional emergency officials said the worst of the storm was expected from 14:00, affecting southern Valencia and northern Alicante.
Saturday’s International Criterium showcase race went ahead, with 2026 Vuelta a España champions Enric Mas and Paula Blasi among its stars. With the Gran Fondo cancelled, no race results or qualifying places for the world championships were recorded.
At the time of publication, organisers had not announced any information about registration refunds or rescheduling the event.
© 2026 Copyright Gran Fondo Daily News – All Rights Reserved