Backed by a new investor, the Gran Fondo World Tour has grand plans for its series of gran fondos around the world and for launching new sports series.

The GFWT will be made up of between eight and 11 events in 2018, GFNS Florida being one, according to Dani Buyo, GFWT's CEO.

Six races are confirmed, he said he is closing new agreements with Sea Otter Europe (Spain) and South Korea's Seorak Gran Fondo, and discussions are ongoing with organizers in Colombia, Canada and the USA.

The start or a real blanket finish at Gran Fondo Kazakhstan. Credit: GFWT
In the same manner as the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, the GFWT piggybacks on existing gran fondos rather than create its own events (the GFNY and L'Etape model). Instead of a finale championships, however, GFWT ranks riders based on points accumulated across the series.

Buyo does not impose rules on event organizers, but is focused on there being a top-to-toe package for riders.

"I look for organizers that look after the cyclist," he said "It is important that the whole package is there."

The prize money pool in 2018 will total $36,000 with equal payouts for men and women. The first three of each gender receive $10,000/$4,000/$2,000. An extra $4,000 goes to the winner of the new Gran Fondo World Championship ® Ladies Edition, part of the Styrkeproven Peugeot Grand Prix - Norway.

Dani Buyo, GFWT's CEO, said that as well as the increase in prize money the new investment will allow the tour to double its marketing spend.

GFWT Kuwait. Credit: GFWT
Grandvalira-SAETDE is injecting a sizable sum for a majority stake in the GFWT brand. Buyo will run a new Sports & Events division alongside the company's existing ski-related businesses.

Beyond expansion of the GFWT, the grand plans for the Sports & Event Division envisage cloning the world tour format across mountain biking and outdoor sports.

Buyo, a former professional adventure racer with the Saloman team, has experience in the area. "I was involved in developing trail running and the development of a trail running world tour," he said.

GFWT 2018

Marcialonga Cycling Craft -Italy ,

Gran Fondo Kazakhstan - Tour of Zhetysu

Styrkeproven Peugeot Grand Prix - Norway

Gran Fondo Florida (GFNS) - USA

Tsogo Sun Amashova - South Africa

Gran Fondo Kuwait

Sea Otter Europe (Spain)

Seorak Gran Fondo - South Korea

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