UCI Nirvana Gran Fondo World Series Antalya Sets Bigger Goals

October 23, 2024 BTT

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The promotional meeting for the UCI Nirvana Gran Fondo World Series Antalya 2024 was held at Nirvana Cosmopolitan. The next goal of the organization is to host the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in Antalya in 2029.

UCI Nirvana Gran Fondo World Series Antalya, one of the most prestigious races in the cycling world, is being held for the fourth time this year at Nirvana Cosmopolitan. This event is one of the mandatory qualifying stages for the World Championship, distinguishing it from other races. It brings together hundreds of local and international cyclists in a professional racing environment in Antalya. Those who finish the 98 km Long Course Race within the top 25% earn the right to participate in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series Final races.

The UCI Nirvana Gran Fondo World Series Antalya includes the Long Course (98 km), the Short Course (66 km), the Time Trial (20 km), and a Paracycling (66 km) course for athletes with disabilities. Detailed information about the event can be found at www.ucigranfondoantalya.com.

ANTALYA GOVERNOR: “We are ready to do our best to host the Gran Fondo World Championship in 2029”

Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin, speaking at the event, said, “I would like to thank all our sponsors and partners who brought this 50-year-old event to Antalya. It’s not an easy task; it requires great effort. Recently, we’ve made significant progress. The number of bicycle-friendly hotels in Antalya has reached 30. Our city is very suitable for cycling. Especially in the winter months, such weather is a great advantage. However, as Antalya, we are still not where we deserve to be. In a city with around 350 hotels and 2,500 tourism businesses, the number of sponsors for an event like this should fill up the banners. If that happens, we can host even larger events. We are ready to do our best to host the Gran Fondo World Championship in 2029.”

Necdet Alkandemir highlighted that the Gran Fondo journey began in Italy in 1970 and is now held in 56 countries. He added, “This adventure has been happening in our country, in Antalya, for the past four years. The value of cycling tourism is increasing. In Europe alone, its annual economic value is 45 billion euros. We embarked on this journey to get a share of that, and even a large slice. Our goal is to bring the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship to our country and to Antalya in 2029. We have already submitted our application. We trust our Governor’s Office, municipalities, and sponsors.”

Antalya Will Be Turkey’s Sports Capital

Fraport TAV Antalya General Manager Deniz Varol said at the meeting, “As those who make a living in Antalya, such an event that contributes to the promotion of this region is very important to us. Nirvana Hotels, which has supported this event with great dedication for four years, has raised the bar by also hosting world champions in our city.”

Corendon Airlines Senior Corporate Communications Manager Pınar Pehlivan stated, “We believe in the unifying power of sports.” AG Tohum’s Doğukan Ak added, “We will do everything we can to make Antalya the sports capital of our country.”