Gran Fondo Maryland 2026

Tap a numbered climb to see its detail.

Training read · Ridium AIThe Gran Route is a demanding 142 km road fondo with roughly 2,862 m of climbing spread across nine detected climbs, hosting the timed USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship segments. Expect a hilly day where about 14 km of climbing and steep pitches up to 18% punctuate otherwise rolling and flat terrain.

• Endurance

  Build toward long aerobic rides that approach the 142 km GPX distance, since the high endurance demand combines distance with roughly 2,862 m of accumulated climbing.

• Climbing

  Practice sustained climbing and back-to-back ascents, because the GPX detects nine climbs including a category-2 effort of nearly 11 km early on and repeated category-3 pitches later in the route.

• Climbing

  Include short, sharp efforts on grades approaching the route's 18% maximum so the steep sectors flagged in the GPX feel manageable when they arrive.

• Pacing

  Because the route is timed with five marked time sections, consider rehearsing a steady effort into each climb rather than starting too hard, since fatigue from earlier ascents can compromise later segments.

• Technical

  Rehearse confident descending and cornering, as the GPX flags technical descent sectors and the terrain swings between climbs, descents and flat valley roads.

• Fueling

  Plan and practice on-bike fueling for a multi-hour effort, since the GPX-derived demands list fueling alongside endurance and repeated climbing; if conditions are warm in late September, rehearse drinking on schedule. With about 16 weeks of preparation available, you can build fueling habits gradually on long rides.