Meyer and Combes claim victory in the Vosges

New York City, July 15, 2026 – The fifth edition of GFNY Grand Ballon took place last Sunday in the Alsace region of France, attracting a record field of nearly 2000 cyclists. Riders took on the demanding 146.8 km course featuring 4,043 meters of climbing through the spectacular Vosges Mountains, one of France’s most iconic cycling destinations.

French rider Simon Combes (Team Matériel-Vélo.com) delivered a dominant solo performance to claim victory in 4:04:51. Defending champion Frederic Glorieux (Belgium) secured second place after edging compatriot Simon Grégoire in a sprint finish, with both riders crossing the line in 4:09:14.

The women’s race was decided in an exciting sprint. Germany’s Janine Meyer, a multiple-time GFNY champion and currently on a winning streak through Europe’s mass participation races, claimed the win in 4:43:11. Belgium’s Julia Grégoire finished second, while France’s Aurore Pauchet, winner of GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet 2025 and GFNY Orcières 2024, completed the podium in third.

“When we launched GFNY France in 2020, the world was in the middle of a pandemic and there was enormous uncertainty around mass participation events,’ says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “We believed that if we focused on exceptional courses, professional organization under Cedric Haas and his team, and strong partnerships with our host communities, riders would come. Six years later, France has become one of the pillars of GFNY worldwide. From the Côte d’Azur to the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Vosges and the Vercors, thousands of cyclists now choose to race GFNY France every year. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of, and it’s only the beginning.”

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the second edition of GFNY Bremen on August 30. It’s set to have the most starters of any GFNY of 2026, all tackling the same 100km course.

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.

Website: gfny.com

About the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City

The Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City is GFNY’s flagship event and the final stage of the GFNY Course to NYC. Held annually on a challenging road course in and around New York City, it brings together riders from more than 90 countries.

Website: 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,