Gran Fondo World Tour: Interview with CEO Dani Buyo

Is Gran Fondo World Tour, above all, passion for cycling tourism?
Absolutely. It’s rooted in the Gran Fondo culture and centered on amateur cycling tourism. While competition is part of any cycling event, our main focus is on the travel experience — discovering new landscapes, cultures, and people through sport.

Besides, it’s a way to discover the world, you are in more than 25 destinations…
We started with five events organized by friends. Today, we’re in 24 destinations across 17 countries, with multiple events in the U.S., France, and Italy. Gravel has expanded our reach to 15 more destinations in 13 countries — from Chile’s Karukinka Gravel Race in the south to Iceland in the north — plus events in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Korea, and an increasingly strong presence in Africa, where both the number of events and their quality are growing.

You have also introduced Gravel races. Can you explain?
We added gravel to the calendar three seasons ago, integrating it into existing events rather than creating a separate circuit. Every finisher, even the last, earns ranking points. Gravel is growing faster than any other discipline, and it allows us to reach destinations without the infrastructure for road cycling. The audience is similar to road cycling, and I haven’t met anyone who’s tried gravel and not fallen in love with it.

The circuit does not follow the federative rules of the UCI, why?
We are a 100% private circuit, partnered with Grandvalira-SAETDE. Federative models often impose regulations and economic requirements that make it harder for local organizers to survive. We believe in adapting to each country’s reality, keeping event names, traditions, and sponsors intact, rather than replacing them with global ones. This flexibility allows us to preserve the local character of each race.

Where do events stand after the pandemic?
Participation has recovered in quality, if not in sheer numbers. Many people now prefer smaller, well-organized events that offer more personal attention, safety, and good services, even if the entry fee is higher. This shift has been a positive change for the overall experience.

What is the atmosphere among the participants in the GFWT races?
There’s always a competitive element when there are timed sections, but camaraderie is what defines these events. Groups of friends and cycling clubs tackle the challenge together, enjoy refreshment stops, share stories about the climbs, and connect with other riders. That social element is key to making people return year after year.

The GFWT also plays a crucial role in promoting cycling as a sustainable form of tourism and transport, correct?
Cycling is inherently eco-friendly. We support measures like carbon offsetting, organizing clean-up actions during races, and raising awareness about responsible practices. In regions where this awareness is lower, we take the time to explain why it matters. Both organizers and participants share this responsibility, and as GFWT, we do our part to make sure events have a positive impact.