Andong City Bicycle Marathon '1st Andong Hoban Gran Fondo'... 1,000 Riders Gather

111km Urban Circuit Course ... 'Elevation Gain' is 2123m Section

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Over 1,000 cycling enthusiasts vigorously pedaled off at the starting signal in the '1st Andong Lake Gran Fondo,' a long-distance cycling event covering more than 110 km.

On the morning of the 1st, at the starting point, Andong Citizens' Stadium, Andong Mayor Kwon Young-se, National Assemblyman Kim Hyung-dong, and Andong City Council Chairman Kim Ho-seok congratulated the participants and delivered messages of encouragement for the inaugural event.

Hosted by the Andong City Sports Council and co-organized by the Korea Cycling Federation and Andong City Cycling Federation, this event's course passes Andong Dam, Saragoljae Summit, Suaedang, Bakgokjae Summit, and Imha-myeon Welfare Center before returning to Andong Citizens' Stadium.

The total distance covers 111 km, passing through two dong districts including Gangnam-dong in Andong and six myeon districts. In terms familiar to cyclists, the total elevation gain reaches 2,123 meters.

The event was originally scheduled for August 23 but was postponed by over two months due to the risk of COVID-19 resurgence. 'Gran Fondo' is an Italian term meaning 'long distance,' referring to a marathon-style cycling event.

The organizers conducted temperature checks and full-body disinfection before participants entered the starting line on the day of the event, and traffic was controlled along the parade route where cyclists passed (Citizens' Stadium, Yeonghoru, KEPCO Samgeori, Yongjeong Bridge, Yongsang Tunnel, etc.). To prevent crowding at aid stations (Jujin Rest Area, Suaedang, Imha-myeon Welfare Center), staggered start times were implemented, and the race was held while maintaining distance between riders.

A city official said, "At the starting site, we could feel the overflowing enthusiasm stemming from the participants' healthy stamina," adding, "We will thoroughly oversee the event to ensure that cycling enthusiasts from across the country safely complete the race and leave a positive impression."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.