Cycling World Championships: Amid the Gran Fondo Craze, the Amateur World Championship
In the realm of cycling, enthusiasts of all ages are also entitled to their own World Championship. Thousands gathered in Perth, Scotland, on Friday to participate in this spirited event.
Amid a sprawling lawn meticulously kept like only the British can, a medieval castle steeped in royal history, and a fleet of food trucks, the scene was set not for the latest English trendsetting festival, but for a race in the World Cycling Championships that took place on Friday, August 4th, in Scotland. This event unfolded at Scone Palace, a historic site where Scottish kings were crowned, situated on the outskirts of Perth, less than 100 km away from Glasgow.
Under the mid-morning sun, the finish line for the Gran Fondo was erected, nestled amidst the palace, grazing cows, and the encompassing forest. Two hours later, thousands of cyclists from around the globe would cross this atypical finish line. The Gran Fondo, bearing an Italian name that conceals its straightforward nature, stands as the largest race in these World Championships in terms of participants, yet it remains the least recognized. Beneath this name lies a simple principle: the World Cycling Championships for amateurs.
France and Belgium Dominating
To partake in these Championships, the sole requirement is to have competed in one of the 28 qualifying races and placed within the top quarter of one’s category. This feat is no small accomplishment. Sebastien, a vibrant fifty-something who traveled from Valence, shared, “It’s a long-distance cyclosportive race, a mass event, and it’s every cyclist for themselves. It’s pure cycling, often with elevation gains.”
The course of these Championships indeed would leave even the most avid Sunday cyclist dizzy: 160 km with 1,663 meters of elevation to conquer around Perth, located to the East of the country. Similar to mountain biking, the Gran Fondo has not made its home in Glasgow, the host city for these Championships, already bustling with other events. To join the ranks of the thousands of amateur road warriors, one had to journey an hour and a half from the Victorian city through the Scottish countryside and its bare hills.
A sign in Perth reads, “Welcome to the heart of Scotland.” But on August 4th, this city’s heart was pulsating with cycling fervor, as it was literally invaded by cyclists. The rhythm of clicking automatic pedals, the whirr of free-spinning wheels, and blaring music set the tone, while jerseys from around the world emerged from every alley, converging towards the starting line. The announcer commended the Belgians and the French for being the most numerous among the participants.
A Peloton Spanning 18 to 85 Years
This unique privilege among these extraordinary amateurs is that they compete under the colors of their respective countries, categorized by age groups that span up to 85 years, with divisions every five years. Damien, for instance, shared, “I ride with the 35-39 age group, averaging around 40 km/h. Normally, the Gran Fondo is an individual race, without teammates. But here at the Championships, we support each other as compatriots. In fact, I’ll need French allies if I want to shake up the race, like our professional compatriots do (laughs).”
And rightfully so: the competition level is high, especially considering former cycling legends present at the event. Rumors suggest that Bernard Hinault might join the race, but in lieu of “The Badger,” Jeannie Longo is seen starting, and Alexandre Vinoukorov is preparing. At the starting line, located in the heart of Perth along the Tay, the country’s longest river, the different age categories set off in waves, every five minutes. The crowd, composed of family members and curious locals, cheers loudly.
Gisèle, hailing from Cholet and also donned in blue, white, and red, is more ambitious: “I’m the champion in my age category for both road racing and time trials in France, so why not? It’s an honor to wear this jersey, but the rainbow one must be something else…”
With applause from a group of patriotic French supporters, the Cholet native begins her journey, spurred by the shared encouragement for everything tricolor. Agnès notes, “My 75-year-old husband has started; we followed him here to also enjoy Scotland and the other events in these Championships. This new format is fantastic.”
Like them, many loved ones have taken time off to support their champions before heading to Glasgow to see the cycling stars. But on this Friday in Perth, the true stars were the thousands of anonymous cyclists who gathered for the love of cycling on the Scottish roads.
