11 November 2026

UCI Gran Fondo Antalya 2026: What Happened in Belek?

UCI Gran Fondo World Series Antalya, one of the notable events on the cycling calendar, took place in Belek from November 5 to 8, 2026. The start and event area were at The Land of Legends. After hosting golf and triathlon events, Belek welcomed cyclists from 44 countries. In this article you'll find how UCI Gran Fondo Antalya 2026 went, the courses, and its link to COP31.

What Is the UCI Gran Fondo World Series Antalya?

The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a race series for amateur cyclists organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The Antalya round is the Turkish stage of the series and was held for the 6th time this year. The Turkish Cycling Federation (TBF) hosted the organization in Türkiye.

When and Where Did UCI Gran Fondo Antalya 2026 Take Place?

The event ran from November 5 to 8, 2026. The time trial was held on November 6 and the main Gran Fondo race on November 8. Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak was among those who gave the start.

The Land of Legends at the Heart of the Event

The long and short courses started from The Land of Legends, which also hosted the event area and expo. Belek's entertainment and theme park hub gave riders and spectators a single meeting point.

The Courses: 111 km, 82 km and a 20 km Time Trial

According to official information, the long course is 111 km with 714 meters of climbing. The short course is 82 km (348 meters of climbing) and the time trial is 20 km. The route runs through the Belek and Serik area and passes Aspendos. Riders competed in age-group categories.

Riders from 44 Countries Pedaled Through Belek

More than 960 riders from 44 countries took part. Such broad international participation shows that Belek is a strong address for sports events.

Gran Fondo and COP31: One Sapling for Every Participant

The event also tied into the COP31 process with a sustainability message. Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's "Breath for the Future" project, a sapling was donated in the name of every participant. Minister Bak also joined the COP31 awareness ride on November 8. For more on the climate summit, see our article What Is COP31?

The Road to the World Championships

In its categories, the UCI Gran Fondo World Series gives top finishers the right to take part in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and the UEC European Championships, plus points. This makes the Antalya round both competitive and international for amateur riders.

Why Is Belek an Address for Sports Tourism?

With its golf courses, variety of facilities and proximity to Antalya Airport, Belek offers a strong base for sports events. An event held in November shows the potential of sports tourism to extend the season. The region's golf clubs and courses are part of this variety.

What Does Belek Offer Cycling Enthusiasts?

You can find facilities in Belek that offer services for cyclists on our Bike Friendly Belek page. Riders with time off the course can visit ancient cities like Aspendos, browse our accommodation options and explore our Belek COP31 page.

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