Top 10 Best Sportives And Gran Fondos To Cycle In The World

We've chosen our favourite gran fondos and sportives in the world, and this is the top 10.

Sportives or gran fondos provide one of the best cycling challenges for the amateur rider, and there are now thousands to choose from around the world. Here at GCN, we've compiled a handy list of our favourites from around the world.

From the epic SCODY 3 Peaks Challenge in Australia, via the Cape Argus classic sportive in South Africa and Levi Gran Fondo in California, to the hotbed of classics in Europe, we've picked the very best.

Do you fancy following in the tyre tracks of the pros across the cobbles of northern France? Or the bergs of Flanders? Or to the summit of the Stelvio? It's all here.

Tick them off one by one if you can!

Here are links to all of our Top 10

Also, thanks to the team at Personal Best Cycling:

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Music - licensed by Cue Songs

[MrFlipperdk]

Vätternrundan in Sweden - 300km around the lake Vättern. 2nd weekend of June, ~20000 riders from all over the world. Features riding during the night (if you want), great roads and a breathtaking scenery. Not much climbing tho (some ~1500 meters) but my absolute favorite. Be sure to look around for the odd maniac competing in this sportive on Long John, Fixie, hand bike or worse.

[kv]

Ötztaler Radmarathon, 5500 meters, 3 HC climbs, 238 km, wondereful scenery in Tirol

[panzerveps]

The Great Trial of Strength (Den Store Styrkeprøven) is a 540 km sportive with several shorter alternatives in Norway.
More than 3000 m elevation and beautiful nature.

[gcn]

Sportives aren't about the winning, they're about the taking part ;-p

[AdiGaskell]

As an event the Maratona would have to be on there.  As a course, I'd say the Oetztaler Radmarathon is the toughest single day event.

[kevinfox]

loved the Gran Fondo Northern Ireland, fantastic scenery, challenging costal winds to break up the pack, and some climbing with the course crossing the Mourne Mountains along the way

[GabeHORWITZ]

Cape Argus Cycle Tour, Cape Town, South Africa. 36 000 people! Iconic climbs like Chapman's Peak and Suikerbossie

[jameskendrick]

I love the Malvern Mad Hatter Sportive in late August or early September. It was my first 100 mile + ride. I met Chris Boardman and his young team and was shot out the back of his group like a bullet! I didnt change gear at all and missed the 1st feeding point. Loved every minute of it.

[gavgams]

Amys Gran Fondo: Great Ocean Rd, Victoria, Australia. Climbs Otway Ranges twice, Really well organized. Finishes near start. Cat 2 climbs. Scenery plus.

[perstrom]

Jotunheimen Rundt in Norway. 430km 4600 meters of climbing. winning times around 13 hours!

[jameskendrick]

I have a bucket list of cycling challenges to complete before I turn 50: 1) LeJoG, 2) The three weeks of sportives in the Alps, Pyranees and Dolomites 3) Race Across Americe. I have 7 years to achieve this.

[Yarks]

I'll be doing the Granfondo Whistler this Sept. 122km 2400m of climbing. Starts in downtown Vancouver, and follows the Sea-to-Sky Hwy to Whistler BC. Most be one of the most beautiful views for such an event.

[Cremtec]

Les 3 Ballons, Cape Argus and the Maratona des Dolomites should be on this list!

[JoradTheDevourer]

The Dirty Dozen that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. It is only 50 miles long but has the 13 steepest hills in Pittsburgh, including Canton Ave, the steepest street in the world with a grade of 37%

[MrFernandopmartins]

Serra da Estrela Granfondo (Portugal)! 180km and 4600m climbing, including 2 of the hardest climbs im Portugal, both HC and other 4 climbs of 2 categorie. Truly an epic day!

[diego_outdoors]

Marcha Quebrantahuesos (Spain) and marcha 7 picos (Spain)

[MrBernt]

Geopark bjerg grandprix.
A new race in the hilly area of Odsherred Denmark.
It is absolutely beautiful with stunning views. 105.6 km with 1483 meters of climbing
Almost no straight part but nonstop rolling hills

[thekerryman]

The 180km Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycle on the first Saturday of July every year. Some great scenery. 11000 people took part this year.

[GaryvanderMerwe]

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour - Biggest in terms of number of entries. 

[wormchief]

Hot chillee alpine challenge and cape rouleur are both amazing