HANGZHOU, China – The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Series Hangzhou concluded successfully on September 6-7, marking a significant milestone as the final global qualifier for the season and the first-ever Gran Fondo event held in China.
The two-day event featured a unique dual-format challenge: a 15km Individual Time Trial around the scenic Xianghu Lake, followed by a demanding 136km Road Race encircling the stunning Qiandao Lake. It attracted over 1,500 riders from nearly 30 countries and regions, all vying for a coveted spot in the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
The competition commenced on September 6th with the Xianghu Lake ITT. Riders tackled a technically varied course with rolling hills and flat sections, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and serene waters, testing their power and pacing strategy.
The following day, the focus shifted to Qiandao Lake for the main Road Race. The 136km route, with approximately 800m of elevation gain, combined lakeside flats with challenging mountain segments, pushing riders’ endurance and tactical abilities to the limit amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Age-group winners, including strong performances by Chinese riders like Wu Wenmin, Wei Qing, Zhang Zhenyi, and Qi Song, as well as international competitors such as Italy’s Roberto Patti and Belgium’s Efekoren, were awarded UCI-sanctioned Santini rainbow jerseys and prize money. The top 25% finishers in each category secured direct qualification for the World Championships in Victoria, Australia this October.
As the first UCI Gran Fondo event in China and the first international Class A cycling race in Hangzhou post-Asian Games, the event signifies a major step in integrating China into the global cycling circuit. UCI officials praised Hangzhou’s organizational capabilities and vibrant atmosphere, noting the event’s role in enhancing qualification opportunities for Asian riders.
The success of the Hangzhou stop reinforces the city’s ambition to become an “International Sports City” and a hub for major events, leveraging its natural beauty and robust infrastructure to foster sports tourism and cultural exchange.
The event was authorized by the UCI, jointly organized by the Chinese Cycling Association and the Hangzhou Municipal Sports Bureau, with support from partners including PICC.
