Amateur cyclists will compete in Ełk, Poznań, Warsaw, and Toruń. In each city, participants can choose from three different distances. There’s something for advanced cyclists, recreational riders, and entire families. Registration for the races opened on Tuesday, February 10.
It all kicks off on May 17 in Ełk. This is a proven location with a well-tested course. Riders will start and finish at the City Beach. The Gran Fondo distance covers 94 kilometers through the picturesque roads of Masuria, including a unique short gravel section. Those choosing the shorter Medio Fondo distance will ride 68 kilometers, while the family route in Ełk, the Family Fondo, is 32 kilometers.
Ełk is a location that received the highest reviews last year. Cyclists praised the varied course and excellent route safety. This was highlighted by Wojciech Kossakowski, Director of the Municipal Sports and Recreation Center in Ełk, during the press conference announcing the 2026 season.
We are delighted to co-organize the PZU Gran Fondo Series race for the second year in a row. Ełk has already kicked off the cycling season. The Polish Cup and the Polish Cyclo-cross Championships are behind us, and now we are looking forward to PZU Gran Fondo Ełk. We also know that amateur cyclists, who rated last year’s race very highly, are eagerly awaiting it.
— Wojciech Kossakowski, Director of MOSiR Ełk
The next city where amateur cyclists will compete is Poznań. On July 4, the Cycling Village will be set up at the city stadium on Bułgarska Street, where participants can gear up with cycling equipment and cheer on the children during PZU Gran Fondo Kids. The main races will take place on Sunday, July 5.
In Poznań, three race distances are also planned:
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Gran Fondo – 104 kilometers
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Medio Fondo – 64 kilometers
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Family Fondo – 24 kilometers
The idea behind every weekend of the PZU Gran Fondo Series is that there’s something for everyone. That’s why we offer three different race distances, including the shorter Family Fondo routes. In every city, we also invite the youngest cycling enthusiasts to join in the fun, stay active, and feel a touch of sporting competition during PZU Gran Fondo Kids.
— Marek Rutkiewicz, Director of PZU Gran Fondo Series
Two new cities joining the PZU Gran Fondo Series are Warsaw and Toruń. In the Polish capital, the amateur cycling classic will kick off on August 23.
Warsaw has long hosted prestigious cycling events, and we are delighted that the PZU Gran Fondo Series is joining this group. We hope it will become a regular part of our calendar.
— Marcin Kędzior, Deputy Director of the Sports and Recreation Office of the Capital City of Warsaw
The planned route will run from the Świętokrzyski Bridge through Praga Południe, Rembertów, Sulejówek, and a loop starting in Okuniew through Zagórze, Pustelnik, Wola Cygowska, and Małków. The finish will be at the Świętokrzyski Bridge. The entire course will cover 109 kilometers.
Warsaw is investing heavily in cycling infrastructure, but we also have beautiful road routes that cyclists love to train on. These include, of course, the legendary Gassy, as well as routes in Białołęka and Wawer.
— Sławomir Potapowicz, Vice-Chairman of the Council of the Capital City of Warsaw
The Gran Fondo race in the capital promises to be absolutely sensational, featuring Philippe Gilbert – the World Champion in the road race and winner of the 2011 UCI World Tour ranking. The Belgian announced his participation during a video recorded especially for the PZU Gran Fondo Series conference.
This year’s PZU Gran Fondo Series will conclude with the Toruń race, featuring a spectacular start and finish right by the Vistula River, near the Old Town. The longest route, Gran Fondo, covers 114 kilometers with an elevation gain of 383 meters. Riders choosing the Medio Fondo distance will tackle 68 kilometers, while the family-friendly route stretches 27 kilometers.
Ambasadorem toruńskiej edycji PZU Gran Fondo jest wybitny polski kolarz Michał Gołaś – olimpijczyk z Londynu i Rio de Janeiro, były członek profesjonalnych grup kolarskich, w tym Omega Quick Step, Team Sky oraz Ineos.
Train hard and get ready, because the PZU Gran Fondo Series races are fantastic events – I especially invite you to my Toruń, a beautiful course awaits, very selective for our terrain – it promises to be a wonderful cycling celebration
– Michał Gołaś, ambassador of the PZU Gran Fondo Series
In each city, on the Saturday before the main races, the stars will be the children – the organizers of the PZU Gran Fondo Series will prepare races over short distances, tailored to each age category. Many attractions can also be expected in the event village.
The PZU Gran Fondo Series will come to two new cities – it is a great satisfaction for us, as amateur cycling is clearly gaining more and more fans. We know that participants appreciate the organizational level of our races and particularly value safety on the routes. This is our priority, which is why the races take place on fully closed roads
– Marek Rutkiewicz – director of the PZU Gran Fondo Series
The organizers of the PZU Gran Fondo Series decided to continue the social initiative – Miejsca Przyjazne Rowerzystom. It is a program organized by Sport Evolution, aimed at encouraging owners of cafes, bike shops, or service centers to arrange their spaces so that cycling tourists can take breaks along the route and freely enjoy the amenities offered by these places without worrying about bike theft or feeling out of place wearing cycling gear in a café.
New people are constantly joining the cycling community. I think our task – and the task of the entire cycling environment – is to help them feel welcome, familiarize them with the best cycling routes, and show them who, where, and when they can go for a group training or a casual ride. I encourage everyone to create cyclist-friendly places – shops, service centers, cafes…
– Wojciech Kluk – Fabryka Rowerów, ambassador of the Miejsca Przyjazne Rowerzystom initiative
For the second time, the title sponsor of the race series is PZU. The company consistently supports initiatives promoting an active and safe lifestyle. Involvement in the PZU Gran Fondo Series continues the largest Polish insurer’s efforts to popularize safe cycling and regular physical activity.
PZU Gran Fondo Series is an event that perfectly combines a passion for sport with responsibility and safety – values especially close to PZU. This year’s edition is particularly meaningful for us as it coincides with the launch of the Rowerowa Polska PZU program. This is our new initiative, bringing together all of our bicycle-related activities under one “umbrella.” We look at cycling more broadly – it’s not just about sport and competition. It’s also about vibrant cycling communities, a tool for mental well-being, and a means of transport. During the PZU Gran Fondo Series races, we will be on-site with our cycling village and numerous family-friendly activities, through which we aim to educate and raise awareness about safe cycling.
– Edyta Włoszek – PZU, coordinator of the “Rowerowa Polska PZU” initiative
Our presence at PZU Gran Fondo has been confirmed by partners for whom last year’s tour served as a test of the effectiveness of marketing activities aimed at amateur cyclists.
Activejet has long supported sport as well as a healthy and active lifestyle, and cycling is especially close to our hearts. We are not just a passive partner of the PZU Gran Fondo Series races, but also active participants. Our employees widely represent the company on the courses.
Magda Kościuk – ActiveJet
We develop our products based on the latest engineering solutions as well as in collaboration with professional athletes. Thanks to this, we can boast equipment used by the best. It is no coincidence that gyms for Olympians have been equipped with Technogym gear for many years – including now at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy.
Dominik Śliwowski – Technogym
Following last year’s example, PZU Gran Fondo Series gathers a large community of engaged ambassadors who will be present during the races. Some of them, like Anna Szafraniec – Rutkiewicz, plan to participate in the series’ races.
I am of course mainly associated with MTB, but few people know that I have also ridden on the road. I hope I’ll get a chance to meet you on the course of one of the races.
Anna Szafraniec – Rutkiewicz – ambassador of PZU Gran Fondo Series
During today’s conference, the director of PZU Gran Fondo – Marek Rutkiewicz – presented the medals that participants will receive at the finish line. Each medal is in a different color and features the silhouette of a cyclist along with elements characteristic of each city. When assembled, the medals form a three-dimensional and unique shape.
The race jerseys, following the concept of the medals, also differ in color and feature prints with motifs characteristic of Ełk, Warsaw, Poznań, and Toruń.
Check out the PZU Gran Fondo Series 2026 jerseys:
The Coffee Riders, the most loyal ambassadors of PZU Gran Fondo, can hardly wait to compete for the medals – these are people who inspire others to embrace cycling and an active lifestyle.
Our role is to create a positive image of cyclists and our sport in general. We want to spread good energy, and the PZU Gran Fondo Series races are a perfect opportunity to fall in love with cycling.
Milena Kołodziejczyk – Coffee Rider PZU Gran Fondo Series
The title sponsor of the series is PZU, with additional sponsors including ActiveJet, Technogym, CentrumRowerowe.pl, Cisowianka, DrWitt, Ekoï, and Shimano.