This three-day event features three challenges: a road race, a circuit race, and an individual time trial, all divided by gender and age group. The top 25% of riders in each category will qualify to compete in the Amateur World Cup held at the end of September this year in Trento, Italy—a cycling Mecca—where they’ll vie for medals awarded by the sport’s governing body, the UCI, transforming everyday riders into stars.
The first event of the year takes place in Sri Lanka, and the UCI, along with beautiful Sri Lanka, looks forward to the broad participation of cyclists across Asia, who can take advantage of the geographic proximity to join this grand gathering, bring honor to their countries and themselves, and further promote the vibrant development of our beloved cycling sport across Asia.
Spend a weekend in Sri Lanka to enjoy this spring’s first unforgettable and exhilarating international cycling competition of the year.
1. Rules
Each participant may register for only one competition.
According to UCI regulations, professional cyclists who are eligible to accumulate UCI points are not allowed to participate in this amateur cycling race.
2. Registration Method
$99 USD per person; registration deadline: March 15, 2013
Registration is now open; cyclists aged 16 to 65 and above are welcome to join
3. Technical, medical, and safety services will be fully provided during the event
4. Accommodation
Participants will receive discounted rates at the official partner hotel, the five-star GALLE FACE HOTEL.
Alternatively, register for a package tour with the organizers for $389 USD, which includes accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Race Information:
1. Schedule
Thursday, April 4, 2013
. Participants collect race bibs and supplies
Friday, April 5, 2013
. Road Race – 110.6 km. Starts at Galle Face Green, Colombo, finishing in Lelopitiya
Saturday, April 6, 2013
. Individual Time Trial – 17.4 km, held at Galle Face Green, Colombo
. Welcome Dinner
Sunday, April 7, 2013
. Circuit Race – 2.66 km, held at Galle Face Green, Colombo
. Kids’ Cycling Experience
. Dinner: Award Ceremony for Winners, Lucky Draw for Participants
. “10,000 Cyclists Ride,” open for individual participation, held at Galle Face Green, Colombo
2. Event Details
All races start and finish at Galle Face Green in Colombo, the largest city and capital, except for the road race, which finishes in Lelopitiya.
Road Race
110.4 km
Climbing distance: 1,080 m
This event serves as a qualifier for the amateur world cup in Italy at the end of September.
The route passes through bustling downtown Colombo and finishes on the hills of the small town Lellopitiya. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with varied terrain and challenging slopes. There are three feed zones, and the final climb of nearly 2 km is a true test.
Individual Time Trial
17.6 km
This event also serves as a qualifier for the amateur world cup in Italy at the end of September.
Ideal for riders skilled in time trials, the flat course offers nearly 9 km of Colombo’s coastal views. The challenge lies in the strong sea breeze.
Circuit Race
2.66 km
An exciting team-based event to be held in downtown Colombo, the capital.
3. Event Schedule
Cultural exhibitions and specially arranged animation screenings will be held daily.
Friday, April 5, 2013
A group luncheon will be held in Lelopitiya after the road race, with shuttle buses provided for participants.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Welcome Dinner
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Circuit Race – 2.66 km, to be held at Galle Face Green in Colombo
Kids’ Cycling Experience
Dinner: Award ceremony for winners and lucky draw for participants
“Ride of Ten Thousand Cyclists,” open for individual participation, to be held at Galle Face Green in Colombo
4. Media Coverage
Live broadcasts by Sri Lankan TV and radio stations; official press releases and event photos will be provided to local and international media.
Features of Gran Fondo
Win UCI internationally certified medals
Get an early start preparing for the 2013 amateur world cup
. In each age group, at least three of the top 50% of riders will qualify to compete in the September Amateur World Cup.
. Participants from each country can form national teams to compete in the team relay event at the September Amateur World Cup.
. Cycling enthusiasts from around the world will have the opportunity to exchange skills and experiences; side events held alongside the competition also help participants interact and learn about Sri Lanka’s rich culture.
. This year’s Amateur World Cup will take place one week before the Professional World Cup cycling race, allowing participants to experience the vibrant atmosphere in nearby Florence (Firenze) ahead of time.
. UCItravel will provide participants with ample travel information and assistance.
. The captivating charm of Sri Lanka: tropical exotic flair.
. English is widely spoken, and the cost of living is low.
. This island nation, connecting Europe and Asia, has a geographical advantage and convenient transportation.
. The mild climate of the tropical island: Colombo in April is dry and sunny, with temperatures between 24–30 degrees Celsius.
. A nation passionate about sports, where football, cricket, and handball are popular national sports, and cycling is also rapidly growing in popularity.
. Stunning natural beauty: most of the country is designated as nature reserves, with wildlife, pristine environments, 1,330-meter-long clean beaches, and marine resources—perfect for camping, adventure, beach activities, and diving.
. Abundant produce: Ceylon tea, South Asian-flavored spicy cuisine, fresh tropical fruits and vegetables—delighting the palates of all kinds of travelers.
. Diverse culture: 2,500 years of accumulated Asian and European cultural influences and religious customs converge here, blending with local Tamil elements. Sri Lanka offers a rich tapestry of art, music, architecture, and festivals worth exploring in depth.
. World-class heritage sites: eight UNESCO-listed monuments and landscapes, such as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, Ancient City of Kandy/Polonnaruwa/Sigiriya, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve—ideal destinations for history and culture lovers.
. Non-cyclists are welcome to join the event: volunteer recruitment.
. The event is calling for volunteers from around the world who are interested in cycling and volunteer work to participate in the celebration; meals and accommodation will be provided.
. Estimated number of volunteers to be recruited: 500.
. Main areas of assistance required: support at race start and finish lines, and venue event operations.