4,000 meters of climbing await riders in the fifth edition

New York City, July 9, 2026 – This Sunday, nearly 2,000 cyclists from around the world will line up for the sold-out fifth edition of GFNY Grand Ballon. Riders will take on one of the toughest courses on the GFNY Road to NYC, a demanding 146 km route featuring 4,043 meters of elevation gain.

The race starts in the historic center of Thann, with the climbing beginning just one kilometer after the start. Riders will first tackle the little-known Plan Diebold before continuing to the legendary Grand Ballon, the highest summit in the Vosges Mountains. Rising to 1,325 meters, the course winds through the spectacular Ballons des Vosges Nature Park, home to many of the region’s most iconic climbs and a regular feature of the Tour de France, including this year, just days after GFNY Grand Ballon.

Located at the gateway to the Alsace Wine Route, Thann serves as both the start and finish venue. Nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, the town is known for its exceptional vineyards and offers a striking variety of terrain, from rolling valley roads to steep mountain ascents, making it a premier destination for cyclists.

“Our goal has always been to give cyclists the chance to experience world-class racing close to home,” said GFNY CEO Cedric Haas. “We here in France have embraced that vision and it has become the heart of GFNY in Europe. Grand Ballon showcases everything that makes cycling in France so special, challenging climbs, passionate local support and an atmosphere that brings riders from around the world together.”

 Throughout race week, Place Joffre in Thann will host the GFNY Village, where participants can collect their race packets, meet fellow riders from around the world, take photos and sign the iconic GFNY sign-in board, one of the signature traditions of the BE A PRO FOR A DAY® experience.

Website: grandballon.gfny.com

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 

NYC.GFNY.COM.

GFNY Pro Series

The GFNY Pro Series is GFNY’s professional racing platform, built around an integrated Pro–Am format in which UCI-sanctioned professional races are held on the same courses and weekends as GFNY mass-participation events. The format was pioneered at Gran Premio New York City and is expanding selectively to additional locations.

Website: gp.gfny.com

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Grand Ballon 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.

Uli Fluhme,

Caroline Lindsay,