Canada loses 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships to Japan
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has moved the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships from Victoriaville, Canada to Niseko, Japan after it's annual commitee meeting
The 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, will normally takes place at the end of series, will take place in August 2026 on the Japanese Island of Hokkaido. It will host the Gran & Medio Fondo, Individual Time Trial and possibily the Team championships, where rainbow jerseys will be awarded.
Road cycling in Hokkaido has long been one of the most popular summer activities for Japanese cyclists and international cyclists alike. The Niseko Classic started over 10 years ago and now has truly reached a global status having been chosen by the UCI to host a world championship event in 2026.
The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), the largest organisation in the cycling world, has chosen Hokkaido to host the 2026 Gran Fondo World Championships. With the participation of esteemed cyclists from across Japan and Asia, this remarkable event will unfold amidst the breathtaking natural landscapes of Niseko.
Since 2013, Niseko has been the distinguished venue for the Niseko Classic, a prominent event in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. The highly anticipated 2026 edition is scheduled for August 2026, with further details to be disclosed shortly. This prestigious event will undoubtedly elevate Niseko on the global cycling stage.
Enjoying closed roads, clean air and beautiful vistas, the 140km Gran Fondo includes 2,362m of climbing, leading competitors up the awe-inspiring Panorama Line climb, out to the Sea of Japan, and back to Niseko Hirafu Resort. A 70km Medio Fondo provides a shorter challenge with 1,125m of climbing and finishing together in Niseko Hirafu Resort.
Canada has tried to host the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships twice, the first attempt in 2020 was cancelled due to the global pandemic. A second attempt in 2026 was being planned to take place in Victoriaville in south-central Quebec.
Gran Fondo Guide is an official media partner of the UCI, the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and the UCI Gravel Fondo World Championships.
The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World series Calendar including all qualifying events will be announced in partnership with the UCI in the coming months.
UCI Gran Fondo World Series Championships Hosts
The UCI Gran Fondo World Championships are held every year at the end of the series.
2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships - Aalborg, Demark (August 29 - September 1, 2024).
2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships - Melbourne, Australia (October 17–19, 2025).
2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships - Hokkaido, Japan (August 26 - 30, 2026).