English
2026 is a big year for Niseko’s cycling community as the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will be held in Asia for the first time ever right here in Niseko on 26 – 30 August 2026. A highly anticipated event where the top amateur cyclists gather to tackle Niseko’s mountainous terrain.
If you’ve qualified for the World Championships and have started planning for your trip to Niseko, we have created a guide to offer you essential insights on what to expect for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and where to stay in Niseko to help you prepare well ahead of race day.
About the Race
Along with the team relay and time trial events, there will be two road races: the Gran Fondo 140km and the Medio Fondo 80km. The 140km course features a vertical of 2,370m while the 80km course has 1,572m of total elevation gain. Both courses will pass by the Niseko Panorama Line, home to Hokkaido’s highest KOM.
Last year’s Niseko Classic served as a preview of the Championship course where participants had the opportunity to experience the course themselves. Kohei Uchima, a 2016 Rio Olympian and a regular participant of the Niseko Classic, highlights a key section to watch out for, “What I want people to be most careful about is the course’s turnaround point. There’s a flat section there following the turnaround point where many riders are prone to crashing. I’ve seen it every year. Getting caught in a crash and falling behind would be such a waste, especially after you have done a big climb up the Panorama Line. Even though it’s flat, remember to stay focused and ride carefully so you don’t crash.”
With such lengthy courses, Kohei recommends doing one 4.5 to 5-hour ride per week, including a 30-minute climb to prepare for the Panorama Line.
Niseko Panorama Line
About Niseko
Niseko is located in Hokkaido, the northernmost main island of Japan. About two hours away by car from Sapporo or the New Chitose Airport, Niseko is best known for its quality powder snow in winter. By summer, it transforms into a playground for other outdoor activities such as rafting and cycling thanks to its lush landscapes and mild climate.
For Kohei, he favours racing in Niseko due to the great weather it gets when the rest of Japan is in the middle of the rainy season. “I have raced in the Niseko Classic for 3 years and have not experienced the rain. So participating in the Niseko Classic race, I would say there is less chance you will encounter the rain. Racing in the rain is not fun.”
Niseko has steadily built its reputation as a cycling destination, hosting several annual cycling events such as the Niseko Classic, a UCI Gran Fondo World Series event; Niseko Gravel Ride, and the Hanazono Hill Climb. Mountain biking has gained popularity recently as well with several bike parks opening in the area; and with beautiful scenery all around, exploring scenic bike trails, like the Mt. Yotei loop is a popular activity as well.
Not to mention, Hokkaido is well known for having some of the best food in Japan. “Having good food right after the race makes everything much more delicious,” Kohei comments, “The race starts early in the morning and finishes by noon. You can go home early, or stay in Hokkaido longer and go sightseeing afterwards.”
Niseko is the perfect home base for day trips in the summer with other tourist attractions only being one two hours’ drive away.
Lake Toya Day Trip
Otaru Day Trip
Shakotan Day Trip
Where to Stay
With road closures in place on race day, staying near the start and finish line – which will be at the Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu – is highly recommended.
If you’re looking for hotels for your UCI Gran Fondo Stay, Setsu Niseko is a preferred accommodation partner for the upcoming World Championships.
Our UCI Gran Fondo Special is thoughtfully designed with cyclists in mind. From an early morning breakfast on race day to fuel your performance, to a secure bike storage and a dedicated on-site cleaning area, every detail is considered to properly support the riders. Paired with access to our wellness facilities for post-race recovery and relaxation, the experience allows you to focus fully on the ride—before, during, and after the race.
Kohei, who has been staying at Setsu Niseko for the past three Niseko Classics already, lets us know why he keeps coming back, “It is very close to the start/finish line, and their breakfast starts at 4:00 on race day. The race covers long distances which is why it’s so important for me to consider nutrition on race day. I love the breakfast line up they have at Setsu Niseko. Eat a good breakfast here, stock up on energy, and power through the 80km or 140km course.”
Kohei Uchima
João Paulo de Oliveira
Reserve your stay for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko today. Unwind in the onsen, train with yoga or gym sessions, enjoy daily buffet breakfast, and take advantage of exclusive inclusions to help you perform at your best on race day.
