2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships Qualification

 Japan is set to host the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The event, scheduled for August 26-30, 2026, will utilize routes from the popular Niseko Classic event, showcasing Japan's stunning Hokkaido island. 

Key Details about the 2026 Event: 

• When: August 26-30, 2026. 
• Where: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan. 

Qualification is determined by the UCI. All Riders are encouraged to read and understand the qualification details outlined here: (“Rights”) at: Regulations - UCI Gran Fondo World Series. 

The following is a summary of options: 

1. Qualification via UCI Gran Fondo World Series Events 
2. Outgoing UCI Gran Fondo World Champions 
3. Masters National Champions 
4. National Federation of the host country of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships 
5. Wild Cards 

1. Qualification at the 2026 Tour de Brisbane in April

If you qualify in the top 25% of starters, you’ll be eligible to enter. The UCI will receive your results and email address from the Tour de Brisbane organisers, and the UCI will send you the link to enter. 

2. Qualification via an overseas qualifying race on the 2025-2026 calendar. 

If you qualify in the top 25% of starters at an overseas qualifying race on the 2025-2026 calendar, you’ll be eligible to enter. The UCI will receive your results and email address from the event organisers, and the UCI will send you the link to enter. 

3. Invitation from UCI as a defending Gran Fondo World Champion. 

If you’re the defending World Champion from the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne, the UCI will send you an invitation and link to enter. 

4. Invitation from UCI as a current Australian Masters National Champion 

If you’re the defending Masters Road Race or Time Trial Champion from the 2025 Masters Road Championships in in Wagga Wagga, the UCI will send you an invitation and link to enter. 

5. Wild Card 

AusCycling does not have any wildcards for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Japan in 2026. 

To participate in the World Championships, all AusCycling members must possess: 

1. A valid annual “Race All Discipline” AusCycling licence (ACXXXXXX), and 

2. A UCI ID (11 digits). 

• The AusCycling licence must be valid to at least December 31st 2026 
• You cannot buy a day licence for a World Championships. 
• A UCI Licence is not required. 

A UCI ID is a unique ID that will remain with you throughout your cycling life. It allows you to take part (as a rider or official) in any cycling race that appears on the UCI calendar, including events in both Australia and overseas. There is no cost to obtain a UCI ID but you do need to complete the online application. 

An individual can represent any country while being an AusCycling member, however your UCI ID must align with the Nationality you want to represent at the World Championships. 

Example 1: You are a dual citizen, you live in Australia, hold an AusCycling Race Licence but want to represent Ireland at the World Championships. This is permitted provided that the Nationality attached to your UCI ID is Irish. If you have never held a UCI ID, then you would apply using your Irish passport. If you do have a UCI ID and it is showing your Nationality as Australian, then you cannot represent Ireland at the World Championships unless you change your Nationality with the UCI. 

Example 2: As an alternate example, you are a dual citizen, you live in Spain, hold a Spanish Cycling Licence but want to represent Australia at the World championships. This is permitted provided that the Nationality attached to your UCI ID is Australian. If your Spanish licence shows your nationality as Spanish, then you cannot represent Australia at the World Championships unless you change your Nationality with the UCI. 

To Change Nationality 

To change nationality with the UCI, you will need to supply documents (e.g. Passport) to demonstrate your eligibility to represent your chosen country. The UCI the then confirms the change and notifies the rider and National Federations involved. The rider's new nationality is effective once the confirmation is received, according to UCI.org. Further details regarding Nationality/Changing Nationality can be found here. 

For any further questions, please contact [email protected]