Dead Sea January 28 – 31, 2026
Source: https://ucigranfondoworldseries.com/en/uci-granfondo-jordan-dead-sea/ https://www.instagram.com/ucigranfondojordan/
The UCI Gran Fondo Jordan Dead Sea is a relatively new but prestigious addition to the international amateur cycling calendar. It serves as an official qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
Below is a detailed history and overview of the event:
1. Origins and Inaugural Event (2023)
The event was launched in February 2023, marking the first time Jordan hosted a race in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. It was designed to showcase Jordan’s unique geography—specifically the Dead Sea region, which is the lowest point on Earth at approximately 430 meters below sea level.
- Organizers: The event was established through a collaboration between the Jordan Tourism Board, Discovery Circle Tours, Stage2 Bike Shop, and the Tareef Cycling Club.
- Purpose: Beyond competition, the race was created to promote sports tourism in Jordan, linking the race to iconic sites like Petra and Wadi Rum.
2. Format and Course History
From its inception, the race has been structured as a three-day stage race, which is unique for the World Series (where many events are single-day).
- Stage 1 (Time Trial): Usually a flat, fast loop near the Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah Park. The challenge here is typically the wind coming off the Dead Sea rather than the elevation.
- Stages 2 & 3 (Road Races): These stages are famous for their „sea level to mountain“ profiles. Riders start hundreds of meters below sea level and climb up to 800–850 meters above sea level via the Panorama Road and Mount Nebo.
- Historical Difficulty: In the inaugural 2023 edition, the third stage became legendary among participants for its extreme weather; unexpected rain and near-freezing temperatures at the mountain summits forced many riders to abandon the race.
3. Key Milestones
- 2023: The debut year saw elite amateur participation, with former professionals like Aidar Zakarin (formerly of Team Katusha) taking victories in the early stages.
- 2024: The event solidified its place as the season opener for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. It increased its qualification quota in line with new UCI rules (top 25% of finishers in age groups qualify for the World Championships).
- 2025: The race continued to grow in scale, attracting a more diverse international field from over 20 countries, establishing the Dead Sea as a premier winter cycling destination.
4. Recent Winners & Legacy
The race has become a stronghold for regional talent, with Jordanian rider Majid AbuHarrah becoming a consistent top performer and winner in the General Classification. It has also gained a reputation for being one of the most „visually spectacular“ races in the series due to the desert landscape contrasting with the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea.
The 2026 edition of the UCI Gran Fondo Jordan Dead Sea is scheduled to return as a major season opener for the UCI World Series. Below are the specific details regarding dates, routes, and how to register.
📅 Event Dates: January 28 – 31, 2026
The race is traditionally held over three days. While some sources list the start as January 29, the full stage race block typically spans:
- Wednesday, Jan 28 / Thursday, Jan 29: Stage 1 (Individual Time Trial)
- Friday, Jan 30: Stage 2 (Road Race)
- Saturday, Jan 31: Stage 3 (Road Race & Final GC)
📍 Route Details
The race is famous for being held at the lowest point on Earth and features a mix of high-speed flats and brutal desert climbs.
| Stage | Type | Distance | Elevation Gain | Key Highlights |
| Stage 1 | Time Trial | ~19–25 km | ~170 m | Flat, fast route starting near the Baptism Site; heavy crosswinds are the main challenge. |
| Stage 2 | Road Race | ~74 km | ~1,800 m | Starts at the Dead Sea and climbs toward Madaba via the Panorama Road. |
| Stage 3 | Road Race | ~81 km | ~1,600 m | Includes the iconic ascent to Mount Nebo before a technical descent back to the Dead Sea. |
📝 Registration & Participation
- Official Website: ucigranfondojordan.com
- Registration Platform: In previous years, the event has utilized Premier Online for international registrations.
- Hub Location: The event village and registration desk are centered at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea.
- Qualification: As a UCI World Series event, finishing in the top 25% of your age group qualifies you for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, Japan.
💡 Pro-Tips for 2026
- Accommodations: It is highly recommended to stay at the Mövenpick Dead Sea or nearby hotels in the Dead Sea cluster, as the races start and finish directly in front of these resorts.
- Weather: January temperatures at the Dead Sea are usually pleasant (18-22°), but if the route goes up to Madaba or Mount Nebo, it can drop to (5-10°) with rain. Always pack a gilet or light jacket.
Über den Autor
