The District Institute of Recreation and Sport (IDRD) announced the Gran Fondo de Ciclismo de Bogotá x Egan Bernal to be held on November 17 in collaboration with the first Latin American to win the Tour de France in 2019 and the Giro d’Italia in 2021.
The first urban fondo in Colombia was presented at the facilities of the Mayor’s Office of Bogota, headed by Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán; the director of IDRD, Daniel García Cañón and the cyclist, Egan Bernal.
The Gran Fondo de Ciclismo de Bogotá will offer participants two routes: a gran fondo as the main event, around 115 kilometers, and a medio fondo around 80 kilometers, for those who want a less demanding experience but also enjoy this ride through the streets of the city.
The route, which promises an unforgettable day, will start at the traditional Plaza de Bolívar and will pass through 10 localities of the city, including Candelaria, Santa Fe, Chapinero, Usaquén, Suba, Engativá, Fontibón, Kennedy, Teusaquillo and Mártires.
The Mayor of Bogota, Carlos Fernando Galan, highlighted: “The Gran Fondo de Ciclismo is an event that reflects the sporting and entrepreneurial spirit of our city. By joining with Egan Bernal, a symbol of the capital’s sport worldwide, and with Cycla, his company, we offer all participants a unique experience that highlights our infrastructure and passion for this sport. This event not only promotes physical activity, but also strengthens Bogota as a sports and recreational epicenter in Colombia”.
Gran Fondo de Ciclismo de Bogotá x Egan Bernal Route
Start: Plaza de Bolivar.
Route: Carrera 7, Calle 19, Carrera 3, Avenida Circunvalar, Vía Bogotá Choachí, Alto de Patios, Parque Nacional, and more.
Mountain passes: Alto de Patios and Páramo del Verjón.
The Alto de Patios is one of the busiest in the world according to Strava, offering a unique and safe experience in the bicycle capital of the world. While El Verjón mixes spectacular scenery and excellent ramps. This is an invitation to enjoy cycling through iconic points of Bogota.
Total distance: Around 115 kilometers.
Registrations will be available from Tuesday, August 20 through the event’s official website www.granfondobogota.com while space is available. The initial registration fee is 390 thousand pesos. The massive participation of all cycling lovers in the capital of the country is expected for an event that stands out for being accessible and inclusive compared to other similar competitions in Colombia.
“We are excited to launch the first urban fund in Bogota together with Egan Bernal. This event is a great opportunity for all cyclists, from amateurs to experts, to ride through the city in a safe and exciting way. Our goal is to continue promoting sports and recreation, making Bogota a more active and inclusive city,” said Daniel García Cañón, director of IDRD.
In addition, as part of the special registrations, 10 tickets will be raffled to spend a full day with Egan Bernal, giving the lucky winners a unique experience to share the activities of one of the most important cyclists in the world. Likewise, those registered will be able to aspire to prizes from the organization, such as a vehicle or a professional bicycle.
Egan Bernal, highlighted: “It is an honor to be part of the Gran Fondo de Ciclismo de Bogotá, an event that not only highlights our city as the cycling capital of the world, but also promotes cycling as a healthy and accessible activity for everyone. I am excited to share this experience with so many passionate cyclists and hope that this event will inspire many children and young people to pursue their dreams in the sport. Bogota deserves an event of this magnitude and I am sure it will be an unforgettable day for all attendees.”
The Gran Fondo de Ciclismo de Bogotá x Egan Bernal, is another event that adds to a wide range of sports, recreational and cultural events, which follows in the wake of the District Development Plan “Bogotá Camina Segura”, to position the city as the epicenter of major events.