Rules

GRAN FONDO ARGENTINA 2026 – OFFICIAL REGULATIONS

INDEX

1. Definition
2. Organizer
3. Date
4. Courses, Distances, Speed, Times
5. Age Requirements
6. Categories
7. Team Competition
8. Requirements
9. Participant Limit
10. Registration
11. Benefits
12. Prices
13. Timing Chip and Timekeeping
14. Jersey
15. Permitted Bicycles
16. Tire Width
17. Equipment
18. Accreditation
19. Start
20. Post-Race Area (“Third Half”)
21. Results and Awards
22. Speed-Based Riding Lanes
23. Aid Stations – Toilets – Mechanical Service
24. Checkpoints
25. Broom Wagon
26. Medical Assistance
27. Mechanical Assistance
28. Withdrawal
29. Prohibition of Access to the Course
30. Use of Prohibited Substances
31. Image Rights
32. Right of Admission and Disqualification
33. Respect
34. Code of Conduct
35. Penalties
36. Complaints and Disputes
37. Suspension Due to Rain
38. Event Suspension or Cancellation
39. Acceptance of the Regulations and Assumption of Risk
40. Amendments to the Regulations

1. DEFINITION

Gran Fondo Argentina is an amateur cycling competition of a competitive nature, held on a course that runs along highways and main roads surrounding the City of Buenos Aires.

The event reproduces the essential characteristics of major professional cycling races, including mass start segmented by categories, the use of timing chips to record split and total times, aid stations with food and hydration, and medical and mechanical assistance services throughout the entire course.

2. ORGANIZER

The competition is organized by Gran Fondo Asociación Civil, a non-profit organization made up of athletes and outdoor sports enthusiasts, whose mission is to promote sports as a tool for social development (hereinafter, the “Organizer”).

3. DATE

The race will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

4. COURSES, DISTANCES, SPEED, START & TIME LIMITS

4.1. Course and Distances

The course will take place entirely within the City of Buenos Aires and will be completely closed to vehicular traffic. The route includes highways and main urban roads.

Participants may choose between two distances at the time of registration:

• Distance 122K
• Distance 46K

Once accreditation has been completed, changing from short to long distance will not be permitted.

4.2. Required Average Speed

• Distance 122K: 25 km/h
• Distance 46K: 20 km/h

4.3. Start Times

• Distance 122K: 6:00 a.m.
• Distance 46K: 6:20 a.m.

4.4. Maximum Race Time

Cut-off time: 11:30 a.m.

5. Age Requirements

Gran Fondo Argentina is open to all individuals who possess the physical and mental fitness required to participate in the distances described in section 4.1.

• To register for the Distance 122K, participants must be 17 years of age or older on race day (12/10/2026).
• For the Distance 46K, the minimum age is 16 years.

Participants under the age of 18 must submit a written authorization signed by a parent or legal guardian, with the signature certified by a notary public, police authority, or other competent authority.

6. Categories

6.1. Distance 122K

Distance 46K

(*) Depending on the number of registered participants in each category, the Organizer may merge, add or remove categories based on sporting and safety criteria, without entitling any participant to file claims.

6.3. Bicycle Types / Modalities

Only bicycles that are in safe mechanical condition, with fully operational brakes, and suitable for the chosen modality will be permitted.

• Road bicycles: permitted in the Distance 122K and the Distance 46K.
• Gravel bicycles: permitted in the Distance 122K and the Distance 46K.
• MTB bicycles: permitted exclusively in the Distance 46K.
• Handbikes and Tandems: permitted only for adaptive cycling and only in the Distance 46K.

The Organizer reserves the right to inspect and validate the type of bicycle for safety reasons.

7. TEAM COMPETITION

Riders registered individually may also participate in the Team Competition. To do so, they must enter the team name when completing the online registration form.

• In the distance 122K, the Team Competition applies only to riders using road bicycles.
• In the distance 46K, it applies exclusively to riders using MTB bicycles.
• A “team” is any group composed of six (6) or more riders, with no maximum limit.
• There will be no separate classifications for men’s, women’s or mixed teams.

Team rankings will be determined by averaging the net times (chip time) of the three (3) fastest team members. In case of a tie, the team whose member records the lowest individual time will prevail.

A prize will be awarded to the winning team in each distance.

If the entire team wishes to start from the same corral, they may do so provided they line up in the corral assigned to the oldest team member (i.e., the corral farthest from the start arch).

All riders also participate in the individual classifications (overall and age categories).

8. REQUIREMENTS

8.1. Medical Certificate

It is mandatory to submit a cycling-race-specific medical fitness certificate, downloadable from the official link, signed by a licensed physician, and issued no more than one (1) year prior to race day.

8.2. Liability Waiver

It is mandatory to submit the liability waiver duly signed, acknowledging and assuming the risks inherent to the competition.

8.3. Paid Registration and Accreditation

Participants must have their registration fully paid and must have completed the accreditation process.

9. PARTICIPANT LIMIT

The event will have a maximum limit of 4,000 participants. The determination of the participant limit and any modifications to it shall be at the Organizer’s sole discretion.

10. REGISTRATION

Registrations will be carried out in stages. Registration opens on December 11, 2025, with a promotional Early Bird price, and the fee will increase progressively month by month until the day prior to the race or until the maximum participant limit is reached.

10.1. Online Registration

From December 11, 2025 to October 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m.), through the official website:

👉 https://granfondoargentina.com

Payment may be made via Mercado Pago, debit and credit cards in 3 interest-free installments.

 10.2. In-Person Registration

Remaining entries, if any, may be purchased during accreditation on October 9 and 10, 2026 at the Expo Bici + Movilidad, held at Parque Sarmiento (Av. Dr. Ricardo Balbín 4750, CABA).

 10.3. Personal Registrations – Non-Refundable and Non-Deferrable

• Registration is personal, nominal and non-transferable.
• Participant substitutions and changes of registrant are not permitted.
• Registration is non-refundable and non-deferrable for any reason whatsoever.

10.4. Exceptional Transfers – Subject to Approval

Exceptionally, and only for duly justified situations, the Organizer may authorize, at its sole discretion, the transfer of the entry to another person. This possibility:

• does not constitute a vested right of the participant;
• may not be used systematically, speculatively or for commercial purposes;
• is permitted only once per registration.

If approved, the requesting participant must pay the difference to the current fee at the time of the request, if applicable.

Deadline and request procedure: requests must be made exclusively by email to info@granfondoargentina.com no later than August 31, 2026, inclusive. No transfer requests will be accepted after that date, without exception.

10.5. Resale Prohibited

It is strictly prohibited to sell, assign, exchange or allow any other person to use the bib number, timing chip or accreditation assigned to the registered participant.

Failure to comply will result in:

• immediate disqualification,
• annulment of results, and
• possible exclusion from future editions of events organized by the Organizer.

10.6. Refunds

Once paid, registration is deemed final and does not admit refunds, total or partial, under any circumstances.

11. BENEFITS

Registration includes:

Registration Kit:

• GF Argentina 2026 cotton cap;
• Bike number plate with integrated timing chip;
• Helmet number;
• Identification wristband;
• Personal accident insurance during the race;
• Raffle ticket for special draws;
• Sponsor gifts.

Finish Kit:

• Finisher medal;
• Water bottle with hydration (delivered at the finish);
• Quick-dry towel (delivered at the finish);
• Isotonic drinks.

Services:

• 100% traffic-free course monitored by 600 cameras;
• Live timing (splits and total);
• Gear check / cloakroom service;
• Aid stations with food and hydration;
• 10 ICU ambulances with physicians on course;
• Mechanical assistance (does not include spare parts);
• Police security;
• Traffic marshals guiding and assisting riders;
• Post-race “Tercer Tiempo”;
• Awards ceremony;
• Online results.

12. PRICES

OPENING STAGE – EARLY BIRD (from 12/11/25 to 02/06/26 or until reaching the first 2,000 registrations):

12.1 Distance 122K

• Residents of Argentina and Uruguay: ARS 239,000 (*)
• Foreigners: USD 165

12.2 Distance 46K

• Residents of Argentina and Uruguay: ARS 159,000 (*)
• Foreigners: USD 110

(*) The payment platform will add an 8% service fee.

13. TIMING CHIP AND TIMEKEEPING

13.1. Timekeeping System – Gun Time

• The official time starts at the exact start time of each corral.
• The first rider to cross the finish line is the winner.
• Intermediate detection points can identify improper course access and may result in penalties.

13.2. Mandatory Chip Placement

• The number plate with the chip must be properly installed and visible on the handlebars.
• It is a condition for entering corrals and riding on the highways.
• Without chip detection, the Organizer cannot record or validate the rider’s time.

14. JERSEY

The official jersey is optional. Its design features iconic elements of Buenos Aires and Gran Fondo colors, manufactured by Suarez Clothing (Colombia) using premium Italian materials: lightweight, ergonomic and highly durable.

15. PERMITTED BICYCLES

Road and gravel bicycles in Distance 122K, and MTB, ruta, gravel, handbikes and tandems (for adaptive cycling) in Distance 46K.

The following are not permitted: e-bikes, bicycles with aero/tri extensions, fixies, folding bikes, hybrid bikes, and recumbent/prone bikes.

The Organizer may deny the start or remove from the course any bicycle that does not meet safety requirements.

16. TIRE WIDTH

To ensure fair participation, preserve participant safety, and maintain the technical identity of each bicycle type within the event, the following minimum tire widths are established:

16.1. Road Bicycles

Minimum tire width: 23 mm (0.91”).

16.2. Gravel Bicycles

Minimum tire width: 32 mm (1.26”).

16.3. MTB Bicycles

Minimum tire width: 38 mm (1.50”). This value represents the minimum technical standard used to differentiate MTB bicycles from other types such as gravel or road, which use narrower tires.

The Organizer may conduct visual checks and/or measurements of equipment in the start area or at any other time during the event to verify compliance with this rule.

Failure to comply with these technical requirements may, at the Organizer’s sole discretion, result in:

• reassigning the participant to the appropriate corral or category, or
• denying the participant the right to start, if the requirements are not met.

17. EQUIPMENT

17.1 Mandatory

• Bike number plate
• Helmet number
• Identification wristband
• Hard-shell helmet fastened at all times
• Flag for handbikes

17.2 Recommended

• Charged mobile phone
• Spare tube and inflator
• Rear light
• Water bottle of at least 500 ml

17.3 Prohibited

• Headphones/earbuds
• Unauthorized drones
• Cameras not properly secured

Medical staff, security personnel and officials may remove from the event any participant who endangers their own safety or that of others.

18. ACCREDITATION

Accreditation and kit pick-up will take place exclusively at the Expo Bici + Movilidad (Parque Sarmiento):

• Friday 10/09/2026: 9:00 to 19:00 hs.
• Saturday 10/10/2026: 9:00 to 18:00 hs.

Mandatory documentation:

• National ID / ID card / Passport (original and copy)
• Medical certificate
• Signed waiver

Accreditation is personal. Failure to complete accreditation and collect the kit implies a waiver of participation, with no right to a refund.

19. START

19.1. Location, Schedule and Access Requirements

The start/finish arch, a single arch for both distances, will be located at Av. Dr. Ricardo Balbín 4750, City of Buenos Aires, near the main entrance to Parque Sarmiento.

Start corrals will be positioned immediately behind the arch along Av. Dr. Ricardo Balbín, starting at the intersection with Av. Arias and extending along the perimeter of Parque Sarmiento in a southeast direction along Av. Triunvirato.

19.2 Schedule

• Corrals open: 5:00 hs.
• Corrals close: 5:50 hs.
• Distance 122K starts: 6:00 hs.
• Distance 46K starts: 6:20 hs.

19.3. equirements to enter corrals

• Official event wristband properly worn
• Bib number visible on the helmet and on the bicycle

Entry into a corral other than the one assigned is strictly prohibited. Participants may only move back to a later corral, without any right to claims regarding times, rankings or positions.

19.4. Corral Layout

There will be two parallel rows of corrals separated by a central barrier:

• Right: Short Distance (access gates labeled with letters)
• Left: Long Distance (access gates labeled with numbers)

19.5. “OPEN” Corral

There will be an Open Corral for both distances. It is intended for high-performance riders competing only for the Overall Classification.

• Capacity: 300 riders. Admission subject to Organizer approval.

Requirements:

• Having finished within ≤ 4 minutes of the winner in previous editions, or
• Providing evidence of equivalent results in other gran fondos.

Entering the Open Corral implies waiving eligibility for age-category awards.

19.6. Distance 122K

19.7. Distance 46K

20. POST-RACE AREA (“Tercer Tiempo”)

After crossing the finish line, riders will be guided to the Parque Sarmiento cycling track to complete the “Olympic Lap”, receive their finisher medal, and collect the Finish Kit, which includes gifts, food and hydration.

The post-race “Third Half” will take place in the Expo Bici + Movilidad park area, while the Awards Ceremony will be held on the main stage.

21. RESULTS AND AWARDS

21.1. Results and Timing Method

Overall and age-category classifications, for both distances, will be determined using “Gun Time.” Gun Time is measured from the moment the start signal is given until the competitor crosses the finish line. The clock starts at the exact moment of the start signal and is the same for all participants, regardless of their starting position.

Only riders who complete the full course will be included in the official results. Rankings will be published after the event.

21.2. Awards – Distance 122K

• Overall Road (Men): Champion, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Overall Road (Women): Champion, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Overall Gravel (Men): 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Overall Gravel (Women): 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Age Categories Road (Men): 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category
• Age Categories Road (Women): 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category
• Team Competition (Road): 1st team

21.3. Awards – Distance 46K

• Overall MTB (Men): Champion, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Overall MTB (Women): Champion, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Age Categories MTB (Men): 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category
• Age Categories MTB (Women): 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category
• Adaptive Cycling (Tandem Men): 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Adaptive Cycling (Tandem Women): 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Adaptive Cycling (Handbike Men): 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Adaptive Cycling (Handbike Women): 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Team Competition (MTB): 1st team

22. SPEED-BASED RIDING LANES

Throughout the course there will be signs indicating the required speed for each lane. For participant safety, all riders must respect the lane speeds as detailed below:

• Left lane: riders traveling at 39 km/h or faster
• Middle lane: riders traveling at 29 km/h or faster
• Right lane: riders traveling at 19 km/h or faster

The right lane (next to the shoulder) will also be prioritized for the circulation of ambulances and/or security personnel.

23. AID STATIONS – TOILETS – MECHANICAL SERVICE (UNDER REVIEW)

Two aid stations will be available along the course, equipped with food, hydration, mechanical service and toilets, for all participants.

For safety reasons, food and drinks will not be handed out “on the fly.” Replenishment must always be done with one foot on the ground. Water bottles will not be distributed. Riders may refill their bottles at water dispensers with the assistance of volunteers.

Aid stations will be located at:

• “Estación Pampa” (Av. Pampa & Av. Lugones): Km 12 and Km 71
• “Estación Peaje Avellaneda” (next to the Avellaneda toll booths on AU Perito Moreno, toward the Province): Km 35 and Km 103

24. CHECKPOINTS (UNDER REVIEW)

Eliminatory checkpoints will be set along the course: four (4) on the Long Distance and one (1) on the Short Distance. To remain in the race, riders must pass these checkpoints within the maximum time established for each one.

Riders who arrive after the cut-off time must withdraw from the race and follow officials’ instructions to board the Broom Wagon or ride outside the course toward the post-race area.

24.1. Long Distance

• Checkpoint 1: “Ingreso al Paseo del Bajo” (Km 55.2) – cut-off: 8:40 a.m.
• Checkpoint 2: “Estación Pampa” (Pampa & Lugones; Km 71) – cut-off: 9:40 a.m.
• Checkpoint 3: “Ingreso a AU 25 de mayo desde Av. 9 de Julio Sur” (Km 92) – cut-off: 10:20 a.m.
• Checkpoint 4: “Estación Peaje Avellaneda” (Km 103) – cut-off: 11:00 a.m.

24.2. Short Distance

• Checkpoint: “Estación Peaje Avellaneda” (Km 35) – cut-off: 8:30 a.m.

25. BROOM WAGON

When a participant is caught by the Broom Wagon, they are considered out of the race and may not continue riding on the course. At that moment, they must board the bus to be transported to the post-race area. If they refuse, officials will remove their race number and they must immediately leave the course and continue on public streets under their own responsibility, without any support from the Organizer and excluded from medical assistance and accident insurance coverage contracted by the Organizer.

26. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Race medical assistance includes 10 ICU ambulance units, medical staff and first aid responders. Participants will be responsible for any medical and/or pharmaceutical costs that are not provided free of charge by public healthcare institutions.

27. MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE

The Organizer will also provide fixed and mobile mechanical assistance on the course. For repairs, labor will be free of charge.

28. WITHDRAWAL

Participants who withdraw must wait on the shoulder and call the emergency phone number provided to be picked up by Organizer vehicles. They may also go to Aid Stations to be transported to the post-race area.

29. PROHIBITION OF ACCESS TO THE COURSE

Gran Fondo Argentina takes place on a course fully closed to vehicular traffic. For competitor safety, no vehicles or persons will be permitted on the course under any circumstances, except those assigned to race operations. Private assistance to riders within the course is strictly prohibited.

30. USE OF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

The use of performance-enhancing drugs is prohibited. The Organizer reserves the right to conduct doping controls at any time. Any participant who refuses to undergo testing will be disqualified. Any violation of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) rules will result in disqualification and a permanent ban from participating in future events organized by the Organizer.

31.  IMAGE RIGHTS

Participants authorize the Organizer to record their images partially and/or in full at any time and consent to their use for the promotion and dissemination of the race or any other event produced by or involving the Organizer, in all forms (TV, radio, internet, website, press, video, photo, DVD, posters, signage, vehicle wraps, etc.). Participants assign all rights related to commercial and advertising exploitation that the Organizer deems appropriate, without entitlement to financial compensation.

32. RIGHT OF ADMISSION AND DISQUALIFICATION

The Organizer reserves the right of admission at any time and the right to disqualify any competitor who violates these regulations. Disqualified participants are not entitled to a refund of the registration fee.

33. RESPECT

Participants must respect the environment and refrain from littering on the course. They must also respect residents, workers, volunteers, security personnel, law enforcement, event staff, other riders and spectators.

34. CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants must compete honestly, follow Organizer staff instructions, and complete the entire course before crossing the finish line. They must also respect traffic rules, refrain from verbal and physical aggression, avoid dangerous and/or unsportsmanlike maneuvers, and not provide improper assistance to another rider (pushing, pulling, or any help involving physical contact), etc.

The Organizer will have marshals and motorbike officials monitoring rider conduct along the entire course.

Any violation of this Code may result in disqualification.

35. PENALTIES

Participants who violate any article of these regulations, transfer their bib number, fail to pass checkpoints, start from an earlier corral than assigned, litter on the course, fail to respect the Code of Conduct, or behave in ways that affect the competition may be penalized. Sanctions may include disqualification, inclusion on a sanctions list, and/or a ban from participating in future events organized by the Organizer.

36. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES

Any complaint against other participants or disputes regarding finishing order and/or decisions made by race authorities will be reviewed and resolved by the Organizer.

36.1. Complaint Procedure

Complaints must be filed within 30 minutes after the complainant finishes the race; they may be filed only by riders who participated in the competition; they must include supporting evidence; and they must be signed by the complainant and at least two (2) witnesses.

36.2. Dispute Procedure

Disputes must be filed no later than two (2) business days after the publication of official results, at the Organizer’s legal address: Av. Las Heras 4081, 6th Floor “A”, CP 1425, City of Buenos Aires.

Disputes must be typed (not handwritten) and include the interested party’s name, surname(s), address, race number, and the request being made. They must also describe the facts and include any relevant supporting evidence.

36.3. Decision

A technical jury appointed by the Organizer will evaluate complaints and disputes and issue a decision within 30 days of receipt. The decision will be final and not subject to appeal.

37. SUSPENSION DUE TO RAIN

37.1. Rain during course setup hours

If, at the scheduled time for highway closure and course setup (10/11/26 at 4:00 hs.), precipitation is recorded, the race will be automatically suspended. This decision follows the safety protocols established by the road safety teams of AUSA, AUBASA and AUSOL.

37.2. Rain during the race

If rain begins after the race has started, the event will continue normally unless electrical storms or precipitation intensity creates conditions that endanger participant safety. In such cases, the race will be suspended immediately.

37.3. Rescheduling after weather suspension

If the race is suspended due to rain, the Organizer will make its best efforts to reschedule within the same calendar year, subject to calendar availability and the required approvals from competent authorities.

If rescheduling is not possible, Gran Fondo Argentina 2026 will be considered cancelled, with no right to a refund of the amount paid.

38. EVENT SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION

In cases of force majeure, governmental decisions, or any other circumstance beyond the Organizer’s control requiring the suspension or total cancellation of the event, the Organizer shall assume no liability and the amount paid shall not be refunded.

39. ACCEPTANCE OF THE REGULATIONS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By registering for Gran Fondo Argentina, participants accept and commit to comply with these regulations and assume all responsibilities and risks related to the competition before, during and after the event.

Each registered competitor acknowledges and accepts the risks inherent to this activity. Consequently, the Organizer (its board, directors, employees, commissaires, marshals, agents, officials, volunteers, representatives, producers, etc.) and/or any natural or legal person linked to the organization of the event and/or the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, AUSA, AUBASA, AUSOL VIALIDAD NACIONAL, ESTADO NACIONAL and/or sponsors, are not and shall not be liable for any damage or loss of any kind suffered or caused during the competition and/or along the route from the official finish arch to the symbolic finish.

By completing the registration form, participants declare that they have read, understand and accept the clauses set forth in these regulations, the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions of participation in Gran Fondo Argentina. Such clauses include that participants:

• declare that they are in adequate health condition to participate in a Gran Fondo race of the distances and characteristics detailed herein;
• are solely responsible for the care of their bicycle and equipment, as well as personal belongings, releasing the Organizer from liability for loss, theft, robbery or damage;
• commit to comply with traffic rules and Organizer instructions, and to look after their own safety and that of other participants and authorities;
• acknowledge that there are hazardous sections where they must exercise extra caution, as well as descents and re-entries with curves where speed must be reduced to avoid accidents; they also acknowledge sections where course conditions may not be optimal and areas with limited lighting; therefore, they expressly release the Organizer (its board, directors, employees, commissaires, marshals, agents, officials, volunteers, representatives, producers, etc.) and/or any natural or legal person linked to the organization of the event and/or the Government of the City of Buenos Aires and/or security personnel and/or AUSA, AUBASA, AUSOL, VIALIDAD NACIONAL, ESTADO NACIONAL and/or sponsors, from liability for any harm suffered due to course characteristics and/or poor conditions and/or infrastructure defects;
• assume responsibility for accidents suffered and/or caused arising from participation, releasing the Organizer (its board, directors, employees, commissaires, officials, marshals, volunteers, representatives, producers, etc.) and/or any natural or legal person linked to the event and/or the Government of the City of Buenos Aires and/or security personnel and/or AUSA, AUBASA, AUSOL, VIALIDAD NACIONAL, ESTADO NACIONAL, and/or sponsors from liability for any accident suffered or caused during the race;
• release the Organizer (its board, directors, employees, commissaires, officials, marshals, volunteers, representatives, producers, etc.) and/or any natural or legal person linked to the event and/or the Government of the City of Buenos Aires and/or security personnel and/or AUSA, AUBASA, AUSOL, VIALIDAD NACIONAL, ESTADO NACIONAL and/or sponsors from any claims for personal damages to themselves or third parties related to their participation in the event.

40. AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS

These regulations may be amended due to organizational needs, such as changes to the route, distances, schedules, start/finish location, categories, race date, etc., in order to ensure participant safety. Any modification will be communicated with sufficient advance notice prior to the start of the race on the official website: granfondoargentina.com.

Updated on December, 18th, 2025