Škoda Çanakkale Gran Fondo

Çanakkale will welcome cyclists to a brand-new gran fondo experience on October 4, 2026, as the first Škoda Çanakkale Gran Fondo brings riders onto a route shaped by history, nature, wind, and the waters of the Dardanelles. With a 112.3K-long course and a 76.8K-short course, the event will offer athletes a powerful ride through one of Türkiye’s most meaningful landscapes.

The long course will cover 112.3 kilometers with 834 meters of elevation gain, while the short course will cover 76.8 kilometers with 513 meters of elevation gain. Tandem and para-cycling athletes will also compete on the short course. The route will bring together coastal roads, light climbs and descents, open views, and the kind of scenery that makes Çanakkale feel different from any ordinary race destination.

This will not be just about speed. Riders will pedal through a landscape connected to memory, courage, and national history. The experience will include the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, the Gallipoli Historical Area, the unique views of the Dardanelles, and a ferry crossing that will add a rare rhythm to the race day. For visitors, the weekend can continue with the flavors of the region: cheese halva, Gelibolu sardines, börülce köftesi (Aegean Black-Eyed Pea Patties), and world-famous Ezine cheese. Even if you are not riding, you will still want to be here—because Çanakkale Gran Fondo will turn a cycling race into a journey through history, sea wind, bridge views, ferry moments, and the unforgettable spirit of the Dardanelles.