Epic Gran Canaria by Riu Hotels in Spain has kicked-off the 2025 Gran Fondo World Tour series on the road, while the Great Otway Gravel Grinder in Australia gets the Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel Series underway.
Epic Gran Canaria
Hitting the roads, the Gran Fondo World Tour is gearing up for its 2025 season, with over 26 events spanning five continents through to December. First up was Epic Gran Canaria, which took place on February 9, 2025.
The event brought together 600 cyclists from 23 nationalities to the Spanish Canary Island. Over the course of two days, participants experienced the island landscapes of Gran Canaria, competing across two stages with three timed sections.
The event took advantage of Gran Canaria’s early season warm weather. A partnership between the event organiser and Gran Canarian tourism team reportedly generated nearly €750,000 in economic impact – also reaching over 1 million impressions on social media.
“Our mission is to help tourist destinations and event organizers generate economic impact through world-class cycling events,” said Dani Buyo, CEO of Gran Fondo World Tour.
Ramón Suárez, representative of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Municipality City Council, added “San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Maspalomas are committed to positioning our region as a top sports tourism destination. Hosting events like these during the low season strengthens our economy and promotes active tourism.”
Great Otway Gravel Grinder
Kicking off the 2025 Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel Series, the Great Otway Gravel Grinder (GOGG) in Australia takes place on February 23, 2025.
GOGG takes riders through scenic gravel roads in the Great Otway National Park in southern Victoria, Australia. The route descends towards the turquoise waters of the Southern Ocean for a short stint on the Great Ocean Road, and then climbs back up from the Wye River – offering riders a new perspective on the local landscape.
Returning for its ninth edition in 2025, local event organiser Rapid Ascent showcases the dirt roads of the Otway Ranges. With a network of high-quality gravel routes stretching in all directions, the event offers two race options – 97km and 49km.
One feature of GOGG is its unique time-out zones, where the racing clock pauses. Here, riders can take a break to mix with friends, grab a coffee, or even enjoy a swim at the beach. For social riders, this format takes the pressure off, while for competitive racers, it introduces a strategic element, as they regroup to push hard through each subsequent timed segment.
Sam Maffett of Rapid Ascent Race Management said “We are excited to continue our association with the Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel, and have the GOGG included in their prestigious race calendar.
“This collaboration cements the Otway Ranges as an international gravel riding destination, with its spectacular forests, smooth roads, and outstanding riding conditions. The GOGG’s mix of timed and untimed segments allows riders to balance competition with the enjoyment of the breathtaking surroundings.”
Dani Buyo at Gran Fondo World Tour added “Once again, we are thrilled to launch our new season in Australia. We continue to expand our presence in Oceania, and there is no better partner for this adventure than Rapid Ascent, our exclusive agent in the region. The Great Otway Gravel Grinder is the perfect event to kick off another exciting year of gravel racing worldwide.”
www.granfondoworldtour.com
www.maspalomas.com
www.gogg.rapidascent.com.au
