Niseko Will Host Gran Fondo World Championships 2026

The Championships are the pinnacle event of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, a global calendar of races designed for amateur and age-group cyclists. The competition was created to give non-professional riders the chance to race on challenging, scenic courses under conditions similar to elite road cycling events. Over the years the event has travelled across the world - showcasing scenic roads, tough climbs, and world-class athletes.

2024’s Championships were held in Aalborg, Denmark, with more than 3,200 cyclists across 74 nations competing. Last year, the 2025 event took place on the iconic Great Ocean Road region in Victoria, Australia - a perfect blend of coastal views, winding terrain, and challenging hills.

Niseko’s connection to the cycling world is already well-established thanks to the Niseko Classic qualifiers, first held in 2014. As one of Asia’s leading Gran Fondo qualifiers, the event quickly became known for its demanding climbs, scenic mountain roads, and fully closed race routes. Building on this heritage, Niseko now steps onto the global stage hosting the full Championships in 2026.

The Championships will gather thousands of qualified riders from around the world to compete against each other amidst breathtaking Japanese scenery. The top 25% of every qualifier proceed to the 2026 Championship, which will feature the full range of cycling disciplines:

• Gran Fondo – a 140km long-distance road race
• Medio Fondo – an 80km shorter course 
• Time Trial – an individual race against the clock
• Team Relay – a dynamic race format where team members rotate through course sections, competing head-to-head with other teams
• Open Discovery Ride – a non-competitive ride inviting cyclists of all levels to enjoy the landscape at their own pace

Skye Niseko has been named official host hotel partner, offering guests a stay designed to support both performance and relaxation. Its onsens, Ryko Spa treatments, and nourishing meals at Kumo Restaurant and Café Deli provide an ideal place to unwind and enjoy Hokkaido hospitality.

Of course Skye is only one of many places to relax and dine in Niseko. The newly opened Yukoro Onsen offers travellers another serene way to experience Niseko’s natural geothermal warmth. And for dining inspiration, this year’s Eats guide highlights Niseko’s top summer restaurants - from modern Japanese cuisine at An Dining, to vibrant Indian flavours at Taj Mahal.

The event invites both competitors and supporters to discover Niseko at its best in summer: gentle rolling hills, clear mountain air, and a calm, restorative atmosphere after a day on the bike.

And once the riding stops, Niseko remains alive with warm-season experiences, from golf and fishing to tree-trekking and white water rafting with NAC.

Set against Niseko’s unique landscape, the 2026 Championships offer a compelling new chapter in Gran Fondo history. As Niseko continues its evolution into a true year-round destination, the event provides the perfect opportunity for riders to experience the region beyond its winter season. 

For seasoned athletes and new participants alike, it’s a chance to race, recover, and reconnect in one of Japan’s most beautiful settings.