Colonia del Sacramento is Uruguay's first European settlement and came to be Uruguay’s very first city. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, it was conquered and reconquered, founded and re-founded, changing hands between the Spanish and Portuguese crowns, becoming a strategic prize for these two major players in Latin American history.

The preservation and restoration of its historic district, dominated by a fusion of Spanish/Portuguese colonial styles, has been a continuing priority for the locals who turned it into a romantic and authentic piece of living history. It was declared a Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1995.

You can get lost in the past just by walking on the crooked cobblestone streets filled with charming cafés, beer gardens, restaurants, boutiques and craft shops. Don’t miss the magical sunsets by the bay, or the street tango & candombe performances in springtime, probably the best time to visit.

Colonia is a touristic magnet for visitors from Buenos Aires, located just 50km and a short ferry across the river Río de la Plata. This little vintage jewel of a city is a perfect, safe and peaceful retreat from the busy capital city life.

GFNY Uruguay - Colonia presents two distance options: a long route of 148.2 km and 1122 m elevation and a non-competitive medium route of 87.2 km with 676 m elevation. The topography does not impose decisive climbs, forecasting a compact peloton through a good part of the race, and a fast race. The usual winds of the Uruguayan coastline may be of key importance on the outcome.

Both courses share the first 45 Km through olive groves, vineyards and cattle country. It's the generous, natural environment of the Uruguay River's East bank, home of several iconic landmarks of the historic heritage of European settlers that set forth the very best dairy production of the region.

LONG COURSE IS A COMPETITION: Finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course. Top 10% of finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time, but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.

THE MTB RACE IS COMPETITIVE:  Finishers of  MTB race are also eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. Top 10% of finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.