On Monday 1 May, the BalatonFondo amateur cycling race was held for the first time with more than 1300 participants, making it the largest race in Hungary in the last decade.

2023. 05. 01. BalatonFondo, Fotó: Vanik Zoltán

Attila Valter, the guest of honour at the two-day event, was the reigning Hungarian champion and former Giro d’Italia pink jersey wearer, and a member of the world’s best road cycling team Jumbo-Visma. Attila was an active participant in the weekend’s programme, signing autographs and meeting the public, as well as being available to fans at the start and prize-giving ceremonies.

The cycling enthusiasts, representing ten different nationalities, adventured on low-traffic roads, covering 126 kilometres in GranFondo and 60 kilometres in MedioFondo, on closed, secured roads unique in Hungary.

2023. 05. 01. BalatonFondo, Fotó: Vanik Zoltán

The route took the riders around one of the most beautiful regions of Hungary, the Balaton highlands, passing through Tapolca, Nagyvázsony and several villages, and passing the Tanú mountains on the way back to Füred.

In addition to commemorating last year’s Giro Big Start, the BalatonFondo route also aims to introduce a type of race, the GranFondo, popular in Italy, Germany and Austria, but unknown in Hungary.

Attracting many foreign riders in particular, this type of race is a great way of showcasing the entire Balaton Highlands region, bringing thousands of overnight stays to the area and helping to kick-start this year’s tourism season in Balaton earlier, thus having a significant positive impact on tourism in the whole region.

2023. 05. 01. BalatonFondo, Fotó: Vanik Zoltán

The winner of the MedioFondo was András Vock, ahead of Péter Simon and Dániel Erdős, while Zsombor Balogh crossed the finish line first in the GranFondo in a great sprint ahead of Bence Bozsik and Csaba Apró.

Full results lists can be found at the link here; photo galleries will be continuously uploaded on the event’s media interface.