UCI Japanese Gran Fondo qualifier the Niseko Classic includes Time Trial

The UCI Gran Fondo World Series Japanese qualifier event in Niseko on the Hokkaido Island has grown significantly in recent years, now sold out for the second year in a row

Last year, only the long distance Gran Fondo had to close registrations in advance, but this year the shorter Medio Fondo distance has also sold out a few weeks in advance of the event.

Only the new UCI Time Trial course has any places left available.

The 13.8km time trial (which was been organized as a test event last year) will for the first time be a qualifier for the time trial championships at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Poznan, Poland late August/September 2019. The start and finish are in nearby Kutchan for a very flat and fast loop.

The traditional 140km Gran Fondo and 70 Mdeio Fondo the next day has proven to be challenging and tough event. Men's categories 19-49 years will have to qualify on the 140km Gran Fondocourse while women and men over 50 will qualify on the shorter Medio Fondo 70km distance.

Riders will climb to an altitude of 825m above sea level during a big climb of almost 20kms, before heading to the coastline where the 70km Medio Fondo is started. There is also a second climb that includes 430m of climbing before riders head to the finish in Niseko for a very steep and testing final kilometre to the finish line!

There are 1,000 riders registered for the Gran Fondo and 224 riders registered for the time trial - with only a few places left available.

For more information, please visit: http://nisekoclassic.com/?lang=en