Sri Lanka Gran Fondo : First-ever UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) in Asia
Year 2013 marks the momentum for both the UCI and Asian continent.
For the UCI, its 2-year-old World Cycling Tour is a real WORLD Tour series as Asia is in the list. Asia should rejoice as it welcomes its first-ever World Cycling Tour race in Sri Lanka, the marina heart and the island country, pearl of Asia.
The inaugural UWCT Asia race, also the first UWCT race in 2013, is a precious opportunity for all amateur cyclist and cycling lovers to compete in the world-class cycling race, experience the international vibe on site among riders from all over the globe, and bring the much coveted UCI medal home, as the top 25% per age category qualified for the September UWCT Final, the Amateur World Championships in Italy.
This 3-day stage race expects 400-500 participants to witness the exciting event. Until now, there are approximately 200 local cyclists from clubs and of individuality on the list.
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
Detailed and specific regulations are found at: http://www.granfondosrilanka.com/Regulations.php
REGULATIONS
The participation at one event only is also available. According to UCI regulations, riders with UCI points are not allowed to take part in UWCT qualifiers or UWCT Final.
REGISTRATION
Registration is open for all from 16 – 65+
(Riders will be categorized into 9 groups according to age)
Registration : 1st–15th March 2013
(Early birds arriving before 31th January 2013 enjoy discount in registration fees)
Technical, medical and safety supports are secured during the entire event.
ACCOMMODATION
Our official hotel and partner TAJ Sumadra offers special rates for the participants.
PROGRAMME
Thursday, 4th April 2013 – Number and Goodie Bag Pick Up
Friday, 5th April 2013 – UWCT Road Race, 110,6 km, Colombo Galle Face Green to Lelopitiya
Saturday, 6th April 2013 – UWCT Time Trial, 17,4 km, Colombo Galle Face Green, Official Dinner and animation.
Sunday, 7th April 2013 – Ride for All with 10’000 participants on Galle Face Green Road
Kids Rides
UWCT Final Criterium, Colombo Galle Face Green
Winners celebration and Lucky Draw
Events
After-Ride lunch in Lelopitiya on Friday after the road event
Bus transfer from Lelopitiya to Colombo on Friday after the road event
Official Lunch on Sunday Afternoon (Winner Ceremony)
Event Expo and special animation throughout the week-end
Prizes for the first three classified riders of each category
Lucky Draw for every participant
MEDIA COVERAGE
Live TV and radio broadcast for all three races
RACES
All events-Road, Time Trial and Criterium, will start and finish in Galle Face Green Colombo, only the road race will finish in Lelopitiya.
Road Race :110,4 kM, Total climb: 1,080m
Qualifying event for the UCI Wolrd Cycling Tour 2013. Starts in Colombo city center, finishing in Lelopitiya after 100km. the road is 100km just up and downs all way. Finish is top of a small hill of 2kms.
The neutralized start will be in Colombo Galle Face Green.
The real start will be on front of the Parliament after 11.4km.
The course will then bring to riders to the small town of Lellopitiya through beautiful landscapes and beautiful small Sri Lankan villages, after a total ride of 110,4 km or up and down roads. Total Climb: 1’080m. 3 Feeding zones will be available on the course.
After the finish, a lunch will be offered to each participant at the Restaurant Silver Ray in Lelopitiya. Buses from the organization will then bring the riders back to the city of Colombo.
Time Trial: 17,6 km
Qualifying event for the UCI Wolrd Cycling Tour 2013
A real course for time trial specialists. Starts and finishes in colombo, the 17 km ride is designed along the beach. The route is fully flat on beach road 8.5 km. The difficulty is the wind from the ocean, which will come from the side, which can be very windy.
The flat course will bring the riders on Marine Drive and back to the Galle Face Green Park.
Criterium: 2.66 km circuit
Lellopitiya is a village located in Western Sri Lanka, features Sinhalese and Tamil culture and language.
FEATURE OF THE GRAN FONDO SRI LANKA
The Gran Fondo
In events with a separated time trial qualifier, the 50% first athletes of each age group with a minimum of 3 riders per age group will be awarded to go to the time trial final.
A team relay per country will be introduced as a test event in the 2013 Final in Trento, Italy.
UCI travel will offer travel packages towards all qualifier events and to The Final, helping riders organizing their trip.
Good news for travellers from overseas, is that these World Championships for masters and amateurs are being held only one week before the Elite World Championships in Firenze, just 300km further.
ABOUT SRI LANKA
Climate: approx. 30 degrees, dry, sunny
Sport-loving country famous for crickets, volleyball, football, etc.
Natural wonders: Wild life, diving sites, beaches, mountains
Diverse culture: arts, festivals, music, architecture and theatre with mixture of European and Asian essences
Delicacies: tea, spices, tropical fruits, sweets
Historic sites: 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Great opportunity of training before the European UWCT events
Ideal location for participants from anywhere of the world
TOURISM SRI LANKA
Exotic landscape for your Springtime getaway.
Ayubowan!
Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.
Few places in the world can offer travelers such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of 65, 610 kilometers lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometers of coastline – much of it pristine beach – 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.
This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka! Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, biggest city and major port, draws together all the colours and cultures that make up this island nation, condenses them into a patchwork of markets, gardens and buildings both humble and grand, and knocks them against a narrow slab of beachfront. Colombo will host the inaugural Gran Fondo Sri Lanka, which will be the first asian qualifier event of the UCI World Cycling Tour. The Gran Fondo Sri Lanka will be run from April 5 to 7, 2013.
More information on the official website: http://www.granfondosrilanka.com/
