Riders will conquer the stunning Vercors National Park

New York City, May 22, 2025 -This Sunday, GFNY Villard-de-Lans opens the brand new GFNY season after last Sunday’s 13th Michelob Ultra GFNY World Championship in New York City and returns with a demanding race course set in the heart of France’s breathtaking Vercors National Park. Riders will take on a 163.4 km route featuring a formidable 3973 meters of climbing, with the race base situated at an altitude of 1050 meters.

“Imagine being part of the race that was voted “Best GFNY of 2024” by the GFNY riders – what more could you ask for?” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “And once you’re in Villard-de-Lans and do the race, you get why it’s so beloved and growing steadily: beautiful nature, a strong organization and a town that knows what they are doing given they have hosted the Olympics and Tour before. Go do it!” 

Race week activities will once again be hosted at Le Balcon de Villards, perched just above the town of Villard-de-Lans. The course promises a true test of endurance, highlighted by iconic climbs such as the Col de la Croix Perrin. The final ascent into Villard-de-Lans has been featured multiple times in the Tour de France, adding a layer of historical prestige to the event.

Website: villarddelans.gfny.com

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

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.

Uli Fluhme,

Caroline Lindsay,