Over 1000 riders took on GFNY Villard-de-Lans last Sunday
Glorieux and Stein take the win
New York City, May 27, 2026 – The mountainous Vercors National Park in France hosted the fifth edition of GFNY Villard-de-Lans this past Sunday. Covering 163.4 km with 3,973 meters of elevation gain, the racecourse is not only one of the most spectacular but also one of the most challenging in the GFNY circuit. Much of the route runs along roads carved into the rock, offering breathtaking views high above the gorges—while leaving riders little room for error.
A select lead group remained together over the first major climb at La Croix Perrin, setting up an aggressive and tactical race early on. Among the favorites were two-time GFNY Grand Ballon champion Frédéric Glorieux (Belgium) and GFNY Alpes Vaujany 2025 runner-up Benjamin Buchetet (France).
The pace intensified after Station de Fond d’Urle, where the group was significantly reduced ahead of the decisive final climb of Col d’Herbouilly.
The race culminated in a thrilling sprint finish, where Glorieux claimed victory in 4:33:25, narrowly ahead of local riders Mathias Chauvin and Benjamin Buchetet, who completed the podium.
In the women’s race, GFNY Grand Ballon 2025 champion Lisa Stein (LexxiSmartSuits) of Germany delivered a dominant performance, finishing in 5:07:04—15 minutes ahead of French rider and 2024 GFNY Alpes Vaujany champion Laurence Reviglio. 2025 runner-up Zélie Bergsma (Watt.cc) completed the podium.
“Growing this race to over 1000 riders would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our host town,” says GFNY France CEO Cedric Haas. “GFNY Villard-de-Lans has been a success story for five years and we’re looking forward to the next five – and beyond.”
Next up on the GFNY calendar is the fifth edition of GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet which will take place Sunday, June 14, 2026.
About GFNY
GFNY is an international cycling organization that designs, owns, and operates a structured system of races worldwide. Its competitive hierarchy connects GFNY races with National and Continental Championships, culminating in the GFNY World Championship in New York City. This progression is known as the GFNY Road to NYC.
GFNY events feature fully timed racing with age-group competition and are open to a wide range of riders, combining competitive structure with accessible participation. GFNY operates its own integrated registration, results, and ranking system, maintaining direct relationships with participants across all events. While road cycling is its foundation, GFNY also operates select events in gravel, mountain bike, and running within the same competitive framework.
The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.
About the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC
The Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City is GFNY’s flagship race and the final step on the GFNY Road to NYC.
Held annually on a challenging road course in and around New York City, the event brings together riders from more than 90 countries who have earned their place through GFNY races and championships worldwide.
The official website of the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC is
GFNY Pro Series
The GFNY Pro Series places UCI-sanctioned professional races directly alongside GFNY mass-participation events using the same courses and the same road closures.
Professional fields start minutes ahead of the GFNY mass peloton, creating a shared race environment while maintaining clear competitive separation. This format increases visibility for teams and sponsors and allows professional racing to operate within existing event infrastructure.
The model was first implemented at Gran Premio New York City, where professional teams race the GFNY World Championship course shortly before the amateur start. GP NYC serves as the template for future Pro Series events.
The GFNY Pro Series expands selectively. Additional UCI races are added only where local conditions, funding, and infrastructure support sustainable professional competition. Planned events include Gran Premio Cozumel, held in conjunction with GFNY Cozumel, pending UCI approval.
GFNY is also evaluating the addition of women’s professional racing within the Pro Series, beginning with a potential women’s race in New York City, developed in partnership with organizations supporting the growth of women’s pro cycling.
The official website of the GFNY Pro Series’ flagship event, Gran Premio New York City, is gp.gfny.com.
Further Material for Media Use
Official GFNY Villard de Lans Video: here
GFNY Press Images: here
GFNY Results: here
GFNY World calendar graphic: here
Previous GFNY press releases: here
Media Contact
Gran Fondo New York Inc.
Tags: Europe, LatAm, North America
