Cycling: Route revealed for new-look Gran Fondo IoM

Meeting will run as an MTB and Gravel event in 2026 for first time

The route for this year's new-look Gran Fondo Isle of Man has been unveiled by organisers.

Having previously run as a road event for the last decade, 2026 will see the meeting - involving several courses over two days - switch to a mountain-bike and gravel series for the first time in July.

It's been confirmed the main Gran Fondo Gravel and MTB XC races will cover around 60 miles starting in Ramsey and finishing in Port Erin and including 30 designated off-road and C-road sectors.

Among the landmark areas it will pass through will be Ballacorey Farm, The Curraghs, The Kella, Ballacarnane Farm, 7 Gates, Archallagan Plantation and Eary Cushlin.

The shift to an MTB and gravel racing focus is, officials say, 'aligning the event with the rapid growth of gravel cycling while remaining true to the Gran Fondo ethos of challenge, inclusivity and shared experience.'

More generally, the 2026 Gran Fondo Isle of Man weekend will run from 25-26 July and involve a total of four races over two days.

The first day (25 July) will see the family-friendly Minisculo Fondo held on a half-mile course around Mooragh Park as well as the 30-mile Gran Fondo Challenge, which will run as a non-competitive sportive event with a circular course around the north of the Island starting and finishing in Ramsey.

After that, Sunday, 26 July will see both the Gran Fondo Gravel and Gran Fondo MTB XC races take place alongside each other on the same course.

Entries for the 2026 Gran Fondo Isle of Man will open on Wednesday, 25 February - details of the events, routes and more are available HERE.

(Above: Route for 2026 Gran Fondo Gravel & MTB XC races (Photo Credit: Gran Fondo Isle of Man))