Proposed UCI race GP Cozumel to be held in conjunction with GFNY Cozumel on November 8, 2026

New York City, November 12, 2025 – Building on Cozumel’s reputation as a world-class endurance sports destination, GFNY announces plans for the Gran Premio Cozumel, a proposed UCI 1.2 road race scheduled for November 8x, 2026. The race has received approval from the Mexican Cycling Federation and has been submitted to the UCI for inclusion in the 2027 UCI Road International Calendar.

The race format

GP Cozumel will be held in conjunction with GFNY Cozumel, built on the same innovative concept that defines Gran Premio NYC / GFNY NYC, which will celebrate its third edition on May 17, 2026. In Cozumel, professional riders will start first for a full lap of the island, racing past the waiting 3,000 GFNY riders assembled at the start area. Moments later, the GFNY Cozumel field will set off to complete two laps of the same course—sharing the same roads, conditions, and atmosphere as the professionals.

In “Sharing the Road – A New Model for Pros and their Fans”, sports business insider Chris Geiser highlighted why this concept resonates so strongly across all stakeholders. It delivers unparalleled visibility for sponsors by linking their brands directly to both elite competition and mass participation. For teams and host communities, it fosters deeper fan engagement, amplifies tourism impact, and establishes a sustainable event model that generates lasting economic and emotional returns.

Why Cozumel

“Cozumel is the perfect host for this concept — an island that welcomes cyclists from around the globe with open arms, world-class roads, and unmatched hospitality,” says GFNY Mexico CEO Shaun Gad. “We’re grateful for the support of the Mexican Cycling Federation and the local authorities, whose collaboration makes it possible to bring international-level racing to Mexico in such a spectacular setting.” 

The final registration of GP Cozumel will be reviewed by the UCI Management Committee later this year, with confirmation expected once the 2027 calendar is approved. Meanwhile, preparations are already underway to host an elite field of international professional and continental teams on the island’s fast and scenic course.

What’s next

With the inaugural Gran Premio NYC in May 2024, GFNY demonstrated that bringing professionals and amateurs together on the same course, at the same time, is both feasible and transformative.

“GFNY didn’t invent mass-participation cycling — but we’ve taken it far beyond its traditional roots in Italy and France,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “And while others have placed amateurs and pros on the same course, we were the first to make both races unfold simultaneously. And that’s where the magic happens. As we expand this concept to more GFNY events worldwide, we welcome and encourage others to do the same, because real change in cycling can only happen when more organisers join together to make the sport more open, connected, and inspiring for everyone.”

About GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series is a sports event company with three decades of experience in racing, planning and organizing events. The global endurance sports brand hosts multiple events throughout the year around the world on five continents.

Working with partners around the world to deliver a first-class experience, GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series puts its athletes first.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races held around the world. View the latest calendar here.

Riders get to BE A PRO FOR A DAY ® by competing against others, themselves and the clock in a personal endurance challenge.

Top 10% (20% at regional championships) of finishers in each age group qualify for the Elite Qualifier Corral at every GFNY event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

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,