RACE INFORMATION

Everything you need to know about Gran Fondo Bulgaria 2025 - regulations, schedule, and prizes.

🗺️ Track 📋 Regulations 📅 Schedule 🏆 Prizes

Explore The Route

TRACK INFORMATION

📏
160 km
Total Distance
⛰️
3,200 m
Elevation Gain
🏔️
1,850 m
Max Altitude
⏱️
8 hrs
Time Limit

Route Map

Start Finish Feed Zone Checkpoint

Elevation Profile

1500m 1000m 500m 1,850m 40km 100km 140km
580 m
Start Elevation
1,850 m
Max Elevation
3,200 m
Total Climbing
3,200 m
Total Descent

Checkpoints & Feed Zones

0 km

Start - Sofia City Center

National Palace of Culture • Parking, Toilets, Sign-on available

580 m
altitude
40 km

Feed Zone 1 - Botevgrad

Water, Energy drinks, Gels, Bananas, Mechanical support

720 m
altitude
80 km

Checkpoint 1 - Etropole

Timing checkpoint • Cut-off: 11:30

1,120 m
altitude
100 km

Feed Zone 2 - Beklemeto Pass

Water, Energy drinks, Gels, Fruit, Hot tea available

1,520 m
altitude
120 km

🏔️ KOM - Shipka Peak

King of the Mountain sprint point • Prizes for fastest climbers

1,850 m
altitude
140 km

Feed Zone 3 - Kazanlak

Water, Energy drinks, Gels, Sandwiches, Coca-Cola

380 m
altitude
160 km

Finish - Sofia City Center

National Palace of Culture • Medal, Post-race meal, Massage

580 m
altitude
Download GPX View on Strava
📏
110 km
Total Distance
⛰️
2,100 m
Elevation Gain
🏔️
1,520 m
Max Altitude
⏱️
6 hrs
Time Limit

Route Map - Medio Fondo

Start Finish Feed Zone

Elevation Profile - Medio Fondo

1200m 800m 400m 1,520m
580 m
Start Elevation
1,520 m
Max Elevation
2,100 m
Total Climbing
2,100 m
Total Descent
Download GPX View on Strava
📏
60 km
Total Distance
⛰️
1,000 m
Elevation Gain
🏔️
980 m
Max Altitude
⏱️
4 hrs
Time Limit

Route Map - Piccolo Fondo

Start Finish Feed Zone

Elevation Profile - Piccolo Fondo

800m 600m 980m
580 m
Start Elevation
980 m
Max Elevation
1,000 m
Total Climbing
1,000 m
Total Descent
Download GPX View on Strava

Read Carefully

RACE REGULATIONS

📌 General Rules

  • All participants must be at least 18 years old on race day
  • A valid UCI license or one-day license is required for the Gran Fondo category
  • Participants must complete the route within the time limit (8 hours for Gran Fondo)
  • Following the marked route is mandatory; shortcuts will result in disqualification
  • Participants must obey all traffic laws and marshal instructions
  • Number bibs must be visible on the left side of the jersey at all times

🚴 Equipment Requirements

  • Approved cycling helmet is mandatory and must be worn at all times during the race
  • Only road bicycles are allowed (no TT bikes, e-bikes, or recumbents)
  • Bikes must be in safe working condition with front and rear brakes
  • Aerobars and clip-on extensions are not permitted
  • Recommended: spare tube, pump, and basic repair kit
  • Strongly recommended: cycling computer with GPS for navigation

⚠️ Safety Rules

  • Drafting behind motor vehicles is strictly prohibited and results in disqualification
  • Headphones and earbuds are not allowed during the race for safety reasons
  • Dangerous riding or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification
  • In case of accident, call emergency number displayed on race number
  • Medical support is available at all aid stations and on course
  • Participants must stop and assist any seriously injured rider

⏱️ Timing & Results

  • Chip timing will be used for accurate results
  • Timing chips are attached to the number bib - do not remove
  • Official time starts from gun start for overall classification
  • Age group rankings use chip time
  • Results will be posted online within 2 hours of race completion
  • Protests must be submitted within 30 minutes of finishing

🥤 Aid Stations & Support

  • Aid stations are located every 25-30km along the course
  • Water, energy drinks, gels, and fruit will be available
  • Technical support vehicles will patrol the course
  • Personal support vehicles are not allowed on the course
  • Broom wagon will collect riders who cannot continue
  • Cut-off times are enforced at designated checkpoints

🚫 Disqualification Offenses

  • Using any form of motor assistance
  • Receiving external mechanical support (except at aid stations)
  • Littering outside designated zones (30 seconds penalty first offense, DQ second)
  • Missing timing checkpoints or taking shortcuts
  • Abusive behavior towards marshals, volunteers, or other participants
  • Failing to wear helmet at any point during the race

Download Full Race Regulations

Get the complete rulebook in PDF format for offline reading.

Download PDF

Mark Your Calendar

RACE SCHEDULE

Race Weekend

June 14-15, 2025
📍 Sofia, Bulgaria

📅 Saturday, June 14 — Registration & Expo

10:00 - 19:00
Race Pack Collection & Registration
Sofia Expo Center, Hall 3 — Bring your ID and confirmation email
10:00 - 18:00
Cycling Expo & Partner Village
Visit our sponsors, test new gear, and enjoy entertainment
14:00 - 15:00
Pro Rider Meet & Greet
Meet former professional cyclists and get autographs
16:00 - 17:00
Race Briefing (Mandatory for Gran Fondo)
Important information about the course, rules, and safety
18:00 - 19:00
Pasta Party
Pre-race dinner for all registered participants (included in registration)

📅 Sunday, June 15 — Race Day

05:30 - 06:30
Late Registration & Bike Check
Start/Finish area — Last chance to collect race pack
07:00
🚴 Gran Fondo Start (160 km)
Wave start based on seeding — Be in your corral by 06:45
07:30
🚴 Medio Fondo Start (110 km)
All participants start together
08:00
🚴 Piccolo Fondo Start (60 km)
Relaxed start for all abilities
11:00 - 15:00
Finish Line Celebrations
Music, food, beer garden, and massage area
15:00
Gran Fondo Course Closes
Cut-off time — 8 hours from start
16:00
🏆 Awards Ceremony
Podium presentations for all categories
17:00
After Party & DJ
Celebrate your achievement with fellow riders!

Glory Awaits

PRIZES & AWARDS

Compete for glory and prizes! Top finishers in each category will receive cash prizes, trophies, and exclusive awards.

🏆 Gran Fondo Overall (Men & Women)

1st
First Place
€2,000
  • 🏆 Champion Trophy
  • 🎽 Winner's Jersey
  • 🎟️ UCI World Championships Entry
2nd
Second Place
€1,000
  • 🥈 Silver Trophy
  • 🎽 Podium Jersey
  • 🎁 Sponsor Gift Pack
3rd
Third Place
€500
  • 🥉 Bronze Trophy
  • 🎽 Podium Jersey
  • 🎁 Sponsor Gift Pack

🏅 Age Category Prizes

Top 3 in each age category receive medals and prizes

19-34

Open Category

35-44

Masters 1

45-54

Masters 2

55-64

Masters 3

65+

Grand Masters

Team

Best 3 riders combined

KOM

King of the Mountain

Sprint

Intermediate Sprint

🎖️ Every Finisher Receives

✓ Finisher Medal ✓ Official Certificate ✓ Event Photos ✓ Post-Race Meal ✓ Finisher T-Shirt

UCI World Championships Qualification

Top 25% of finishers in each age group qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

🌍 2025 World Championships: Aalborg, Denmark