RACE INFORMATION

Everything you need to know about Gran Fondo Bulgaria 2026 - regulations, schedule, and prizes.

🗺️ Track 📋 Regulations 📅 Schedule 🏆 Prizes

Explore The Route

TRACK INFORMATION

📏
140 km
Total Distance
⛰️
1961 m
Elevation Gain
🏔️
1337 m
Max Altitude
⏱️
480 min
Time Limit

Route Map

Start Finish Feed Zone Checkpoint

Elevation Profile

759 m
Start Elevation
1337 m
Max Elevation
1961 m
Total Climbing
1961 m
Total Descent

Checkpoints & Feed Zones

0 km

Start / Finish

Location: Central start/finish area; Medical Team: Doctor, 2 paramedics, 2 nurses, volunteers, medical tent; Ambulance/Access: 2 ambulances on site; Notes: Main medical center, triage area; potential LZ (landing zone), Velingrad Stadium or large parking area

759 m
altitude
14 km

Feed Zone Dorkovo(first passage)

Location: Village center / roadside stop; Medical Team: 1 paramedic, 1 nurse; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance access < 10 min; Notes: Good access via main road, suitable for evacuation towards Pazardzhik;

794 m
altitude
26 km

Feed Zone Area(valley)

Location: Mountain section; Medical Team: Doctor or advancedd paramedic + 2 paramedics; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance via mountain road/lay-by, terrain check required; Notes: Critical zone, steep technical terrain, higher crash risk, radio communication mandatory

958 m
altitude
59 km

Feed Zone Dorkovo (second passage)

Location: Same point; Medical Team: 1 paramedic, 1 nurse; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance access <10 min; Notes: Repeated passage - team remains in place to cover both crossings

550 m
altitude
103 km

Feed Zone Peshtera

Location: City entrance / roadsite stop; Medical Team: Doctor, 2 paramedics, 1 nurse; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance on site, direct access to Peshtera Hospital or Pazardzhik; Notes: Urban environment, suitable for more serious cases, possible intermediate LZ at city stadium

1138 m
altitude
Download GPX
📏
70 km
Total Distance
⛰️
663 m
Elevation Gain
🏔️
1181 m
Max Altitude
⏱️
360 min
Time Limit

Route Map

Start Finish Feed Zone Checkpoint

Elevation Profile

759 m
Start Elevation
1181 m
Max Elevation
663 m
Total Climbing
663 m
Total Descent

Checkpoints & Feed Zones

0 km

Start / Finish

Location: Central start/finish area; Medical Team: Doctor, 2 paramedics, 2 nurses, volunteers, medical tent; Ambulance/Access: 2 ambulances on site; Notes: Main medical center, triage area; potential LZ (landing zone), Velingrad Stadium or large parking area

580 m
altitude
14 km

Feed Zone Dorkovo(first passage)

Location: Village center / roadside stop; Medical Team: 1 paramedic, 1 nurse; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance access < 10 min; Notes: Good access via main road, suitable for evacuation towards Pazardzhik;

1118 m
altitude
26 km

Feed Zone Area(valley)

Location: Mountain section; Medical Team: Doctor or advancedd paramedic + 2 paramedics; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance via mountain road/lay-by, terrain check required; Notes: Critical zone, steep technical terrain, higher crash risk, radio communication mandatory

958 m
altitude
59 km

Feed Zone Dorkovo (second passage)

Location: Same point; Medical Team: 1 paramedic, 1 nurse; Ambulance/Access: Ambulance access <10 min; Notes: Repeated passage - team remains in place to cover both crossings

766 m
altitude
Download GPX

Read Carefully

RACE REGULATIONS

📌 General Rules

  • All participants must be at least 18 years old on race day
  • A valid UCI license or one-day license is required for the Gran Fondo category
  • Participants must complete the route within the time limit (8 hours for Gran Fondo)
  • Following the marked route is mandatory; shortcuts will result in disqualification
  • Participants must obey all traffic laws and marshal instructions
  • Number bibs must be visible on the left side of the jersey at all times
  • All participants must have life insurance to participate

🚴 Equipment Requirements

  • Approved cycling helmet is mandatory and must be worn at all times during the race
  • Only road bicycles are allowed (no TT bikes, e-bikes, or recumbents)
  • Bikes must be in safe working condition with front and rear brakes
  • Aerobars and clip-on extensions are not permitted
  • Recommended: spare tube, pump, and basic repair kit
  • Strongly recommended: cycling computer with GPS for navigation

⚠️ Safety Rules

  • Drafting behind motor vehicles is strictly prohibited and results in disqualification
  • Headphones and earbuds are not allowed during the race for safety reasons
  • Dangerous riding or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification
  • In case of accident, call emergency number displayed on race number
  • Medical support is available at all aid stations and on course
  • Participants must stop and assist any seriously injured rider

⏱️ Timing & Results

  • Chip timing will be used for accurate results
  • Timing chips are attached to the number bib - do not remove
  • Official time starts from gun start for overall classification
  • Age group rankings use chip time
  • Results will be posted online within 2 hours of race completion
  • Protests must be submitted within 30 minutes of finishing

🥤 Aid Stations & Support

  • Aid stations are located every 25-30km along the course
  • Water, energy drinks, gels, and fruit will be available
  • Technical support vehicles will patrol the course
  • Personal support vehicles are not allowed on the course
  • Broom wagon will collect riders who cannot continue
  • Cut-off times are enforced at designated checkpoints

Mark Your Calendar

RACE SCHEDULE

Race Weekend

Schedule not accurate at the moment, will update it soon!

June 20-21, 2026
📍 Velingrad, Bulgaria

Saturday, June 20 — Registration & Expo

10:00 - 19:00
Race Pack Collection & Registration
Velingrad, Bulgaria — Bring your ID and confirmation email
10:00 - 18:00
Cycling Expo & Partner Village
Visit our sponsors, test new gear, and enjoy entertainment
14:00 - 15:00
Pro Rider Meet & Greet
Meet former professional cyclists and get autographs
16:00 - 17:00
Race Briefing (Mandatory for Gran Fondo)
Important information about the course, rules, and safety
18:00 - 19:00
Pasta Party
Pre-race dinner for all registered participants (included in registration)

Sunday, June 21 — Race Day

08:30
🚴 Gran Fondo Start (140 km)
Wave start based on seeding — Be in your corral by 07:45
08:45
🚴 Medio Fondo Start (70 km)
All participants start together
11:00 - 15:00
Finish Line Celebrations
Music, food, beer garden, and massage area
15:00
Gran Fondo Course Closes
Cut-off time — 8 hours from start
16:00
🏆 Awards Ceremony
Podium presentations for all categories
17:00
After Party & DJ
Celebrate your achievement with fellow riders!

Glory Awaits

PRIZES & AWARDS

Compete for glory and prizes! Top finishers in each category will receive cash prizes, trophies, and exclusive awards.

🏆 Gran Fondo Overall (Men & Women)

1st
First Place
UCI World Championships Entry
  • 🏆 Champion Trophy
  • 🎽 Winner's Jersey
  • 🎟️ UCI World Championships Entry
2nd
Second Place
UCI World Championships Entry
  • 🥈 Silver Trophy
  • 🎽 Podium Jersey
  • 🎁 Sponsor Gift Pack
3rd
Third Place
UCI World Championships Entry
  • 🥉 Bronze Trophy
  • 🎽 Podium Jersey
  • 🎁 Sponsor Gift Pack

🏅 Age Category Prizes

Top 3 in each age category receive medals and prizes. Males (aged 19-59 included) and females (aged 19-49 included) are eligible to get UCI points from Gran Fondo race, while for Medio Fondo - males (aged 60+) and females (aged 50+). Participants aged 15-17 are not eligible to get UCI points.

15-17

Medio only

17-18

Medio only

19-34

Open Category

35-39

Masters 1

40-44

Masters 2

45-49

Masters

50-54

Masters

55-59

Masters

60-64

Masters

65-69

Masters

70-74

Masters

75-79

Masters

🎖️ Every Finisher Receives

✓ Finisher Medal ✓ Official Certificate ✓ Event Photos ✓ Post-Race Meal

UCI World Championships Qualification for 2027