Inside the peloton at GFNY Miami, every rider has a reason for being there. From first-time racers to seasoned competitors, each story is fueled by preparation, persistence, and the pursuit of a personal goal.

Inside the Peloton takes you beyond the start line and into the real experiences of the athletes like Abel Fernández who make GFNY Miami more than just a race, it’s a shared journey on closed roads under the Miami sun.

This is his story:

My name is Abel Fernández, a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army. Late last year, I decided to try something completely new—cycling. With little to no training, I signed up for my first race in Maryland. I didn’t really know what to expect. I just wanted to challenge myself and hopefully have some fun.
What I got was something much bigger.

The race was incredibly tough—far harder than I imagined. Every mile tested me physically and mentally. But instead of discouraging me, it gave me a deep respect for the sport and the athletes who dedicate themselves to it. That experience changed something in me. I was hooked.

Since then, cycling has become part of my routine and my mindset. I now train four to five times a week, constantly pushing to improve, embracing the discipline and grind that feels familiar from my Army career. The structure, the resilience, the commitment—it all connects.

Now, I’m looking ahead to my first race of 2026 in Miami, Florida. I’m especially excited because GFNY hosts some of the best and most organized races out there. This time, I won’t be lining up underprepared. I’ll be ready—not just to finish, but to compete.

What started as curiosity has become passion. And this is only the beginning.

Join Abel at Michelob ULTRA GFNY Miami on April 17!