Riders will tackle a challenging course through southern Costa Rica

New York City, October 8, 2026 – GFNY Costa Rica returns this weekend with GFNY Pérez Zeledón, bringing the full GFNY race experience back to one of Central America’s most spectacular cycling destinations.

The competitive long-distance race will cover 115.4 km with 1,903 meters of climbing, while the recreational medium-distance course will cover 86.2 km. Both routes will start and finish at Hotel del Sur and take riders through the landscapes surrounding Pérez Zeledón.

The long course will challenge riders with a combination of climbs, rolling terrain and fast sections. 

“We’re excited to bring GFNY back to Costa Rica and to start this new chapter in Pérez Zeledón,” said GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “Costa Rica has been part of GFNY for many years, and Pérez Zeledón gives us the opportunity to build something new in a spectacular region that is made for cycling. With the support of our local and tourism partners, we look forward to growing the race here in the years ahead.”

Race weekend festivities begin Thursday at Hotel del Sur, which will serve as the central hub for pre-race activities, including packet pickup, the GFNY Expo and social events. Riders will also be able to join group rides on Friday and Saturday, giving participants the opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists and prepare for race day.

Website: perezzeledon.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.

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 Perez Zeledón 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,