Strong winds shape the racing on the new 85-mile course

New York City, October 28, 2026  –  The seventh edition of Michelob ULTRA GFNY Florida took place this past Sunday, October 25, featuring a new cycling course in Hardee. The inaugural Michelob ULTRA GFNY Florida Hardee 5K Run presented by AdventHealth added a running competition to the event weekend, with 13-year-old Max Fluhme claiming the overall victory.

The 85-mile (137 km) competitive course featured just 820 feet (250 m) of climbing, but powerful winds across the exposed central Florida plains more than made up for the lack of elevation.

Early attacks from the 40-rider lead group proved unsuccessful. With long, straight roads offering little shelter and allowing chasers to keep breakaways in sight for miles, establishing a decisive gap was particularly difficult.

That changed 45 miles into the race when Edwin Morel (Team Talent), runner-up at GFNY Florida Sebring 2025, and New York City-based Italian Ciro Iovine took advantage of the strengthening winds to break away. The duo built a lead of up to 1:05 minutes as the chasing group gradually dwindled.

With 25 miles remaining, Iovine could no longer match Morel’s pace and dropped back, eventually getting caught by the eight remaining chasers. Morel now faced the daunting task of battling the fierce headwind alone.

Despite the numerical advantage of the chasing group, Morel continued to extend his lead, eventually opening a gap of more than 2:30 minutes. By mile 80, the chase had effectively conceded defeat.

Morel crossed the finish line to claim the men’s overall victory in 3:35:45. Colombia’s Jose Jaime Velez finished second, followed just three seconds later by Brazil’s Uilian Fernando Tavares in 3:38:08.

In the women’s race, Jenny Krause (USA) outsprinted compatriot Jennifer Golden to take the overall victory in 3:41:43. Krause continued an impressive run of results, having won GFNY Pittsburgh in September and finished second at GFNY Bahamas just one week earlier. Karla Espinoza (Honduras) completed the women’s podium in 4:02:45.

“Hardee County has been part of GFNY Florida for years, and we’re grateful to now have the county as our host and sponsor,” said GFNY President Lidia Fluhme. “A special thank you goes to the local law enforcement agencies for their outstanding work securing the new course. Their efforts are essential to providing our riders with a safe and enjoyable racing experience.”

Next on the GFNY calendar is the thirteenth edition of GFNY Cozumel on November 8, 2026.

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 Florida Hardee 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,