The New Zealand Gran Fondo marks the return of an iconic mass participation cycling event featuring the picturesque surroundings of the Home of Champions.

The New Zealand Gran Fondo sits alongside the Vantage Elite Road Nationals as part of New Zealand’s Cycling Festival – RIDE.

The NZ Gran Fondo comes in two forms, Gran Fondo, 100km, brought to you by Hobbiton Movie Set and the Corto Fondo, 18km, powered by Winger Suzuki.

The Gran Fondo is in it’s second year, showcasing some of Waikato’s most scenic and challenging roads.   This year the course follows the exact route that NZ’s elite riders will follow in their road race the following day.

The 100km course is designed as a challenge for all who take part; if you are finding the Maungakawa hill climb easy, you should be going faster.  Timing mats are set up to capture the Kings and Queens of the Mountain (Maungakawa) in various age brackets.  The race culminates in a party atmosphere in the park where each rider will be awarded their finishers medal.