Over 4,000 Riders from 50 Countries raced through rain showers at the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Series Hangzhou Qiandao Lake

HANGZHOU, CHINA — The 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Series Hangzhou Qiandao Lake took place on May 24 after welcoming more than 4,000 riders from over 50 countries and regions to one of Asia’s fastest-growing amateur cycling events.

 

Held on the former Asian Games cycling course in Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou, the event served as an official qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, scheduled to take place in Niseko, Japan, from August 26–30. Under UCI qualification rules, the top 25% finishers in each age group secured their places for the World Championships.

Rain throughout the race day added an extra layer of difficulty to the 97km course which featured approximately 755 meters of elevation gain and multiple climbing sections. Wet roads and technical descents tested riders’ endurance, pacing and bike-handling skills.

 

Despite the challenging weather conditions, riders completed an intense day of racing across the fabulously scenic lakeside course, widely regarded as one of China’s premier road cycling destinations. The route connected several towns surrounding Qiandao Lake, combining fast waterfront roads with rolling climbs and technicaly challenging terrain.

Australian rider Angus praised both the course and race organization after crossing the finish line. “The rain really wasn’t an issue for me,” he said. “I enjoyed the route very much. The course was beautiful, and I felt very safe throughout the race thanks to the referees, clear signage, warning whistles and the strong support from the organizers.”

The event marked the second consecutive year that Qiandao Lake has hosted a UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier, reflecting the rapid growth of amateur cycling in China and the increasing international profile of the destination within the global cycling community.

 

Participation more than doubled compared to the inaugural 2025 edition, growing from nearly 2,000 riders to more than 4,000 competitors in 2026. More than 600 overseas riders traveled to China for the race, making it one of the largest and most internationally represented amateur cycling events currently held in the country.

“This year’s conditions made the race even more demanding, but the course and scenery were exceptional,” said Josep Termens, a European rider and event ambassador who returned to Qiandao Lake for a second consecutive year. “The combination of challenging roads and the natural landscape creates a unique riding experience.”

The event featured 13 age-group categories for men and women ranging from 19 to 74 years old, with staggered starts throughout the morning. Winners across all categories received official UCI medals, while category champions were awarded the iconic rainbow jerseys.

Among the standout performances of the day was Russian rider Blokhin IVAN, who claimed victory in the men’s 19–35 category after a solo attack in difficult wet conditions. Following the race, he praised both the course and event organization, describing the victory and qualification for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships as one of the most memorable moments of his cycling career.

 

The race was organized under authorization from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), with support from the Chinese Cycling Association, Hangzhou Sports Bureau and the Chun’an County Government. Operations were led by Qiaoli Sports, the event management company that introduced the UCI Gran Fondo World Series to China in 2025.

Beyond competition, the event also highlighted Qiandao Lake’s broader ambitions as an international sports tourism destination. Known for its island landscape, mountain roads and cycling-friendly infrastructure, the region has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for endurance sports and outdoor tourism.

Organizers confirmed plans to continue expanding the event in 2027, with ambitions to attract more elite amateur riders, international cycling clubs and global industry partners to China’s growing cycling market.

 

As the 2026 qualifier season continues, attention now turns to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, where riders from Hangzhou Qiandao Lake will join qualified athletes from around the world on cycling’s biggest amateur stage.

Special thanks to the following sponsors and partners (listed in no particular order):

HM Wonderland; MyWhoosh; DJI; Coconut Palm Group; Li Auto, Ladder Star; SENA; China Resources MixC; Wudao; Sangbei; ZhongAn Insurance; MicroTech Medical; Pardus Cycles; CCN; Prolom; West Rider; Yianmei; Qishi; Jingteng; Chaotan; Morlick; ADMX; Molake; PMT; Yuhezi; Blafast; OAKLEY; HYPER C; KONTAX; NEWCOM; NSVE; LHC; Deya; Biking Up; Qiandao Lake Whisky and Qiandao Lake Beer, among others.

These brands not only provided professional products and technical support for the event, but also enriched the race atmosphere through interactive experiences, energy stations and equipment showcases, allowing riders and spectators to experience the diverse culture of cycling.

Among them, Fujian-based cycling shoe brand Blafast launched several new products at the event village. The brand recorded sales exceeding RMB 20,000 within just two days, reflecting the strong commercial momentum and growing market influence of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series in China.