GFNY announces GFNY Miami

GFNY announces GFNY Miami
April 21, 2024

 

 

The Courses

 

The pre-race activities like packet pickup and expo take place is the heart of Miami. On race day, make the trip out to Miami’s western edge, and race past the tropical wetlands of The Everglades. The Everglades are a natural wonder. This expansive marshland ecosystem is home to sawgrass prairies, cypress trees, Spanish moss, and fauna.

The race starts and finishes at the Miccosukee Resort & Casino. Ample parking and pre-race facilities are available. Line up in the start corrals on the Miccosukee Resort property. When the race starts, make the right turn onto Krome Avenue and head south.

GFNY racers will have one lane of Krome Avenue closed to cars for GFNY, in each the northbound and southbound direction. Each direction has two lanes and the inside lane will be for GFNY racers exclusively, enforced by police, cones and traffic control equipment. The northbound and southbound lanes are divided by a grassy median.

Head southbound for 5 miles, then make a u-turn and head northbound for 17 miles. At the north end, make another u-turn and head back south. After 12 miles, the medium route riders will reach their finish line at Miccosukee Resort & Casino, completing the 35-mile loop one time. The long route riders will continue straight until the southern u-turn, and then head back north, and then make the final u-turn and ride south. Long route riders will complete the 35-mile loop two times.

The average elevation on the course is 6ft, making GFNY Miami the flattest course of the GFNY World circuit. But be ready: strong winds will shape pelotons and thwart attacks.

A festive post-race party back will await you at Miccosukee: A cheer beer from Michelob ULTRA, your medal, post-race meal, DJ, awards ceremony, photos and camaraderie.

The Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami 2024 will serve as the North American Championship. It will also serve as a test race for a professional cycling race that will be added in 2025.

 

 

Long Route – 70.9 miles / 53 ft+

 

Medium Route – 35.5 miles / 26 ft+

 

About Miami

 

Miami is a coastal metropolis and is a global center for tourism, culture, entertainment, cuisine, shopping, and more. As the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, Miami has a culturally-diverse population with an economy deeply rooted in hospitality, international commerce and entertainment.

Miami is the second-most visited city in the US after New York City. The tropical climate of Miami contributes to making Miami an ideal destination for beach getaways, sport, festivals and concerts. Miami has a diverse, young population that fuels Miami’s economy and culture.

From glittering South Beach, to tree-lined Coral Gables, to bohemian Coconut Grove, to vibrant hubs of Caribbean heritage, such as Little Havana and Little Haiti, or artsy Wynwood, each neighborhood in Miami is a unique destination unto itself. Miami’s flavors, sights, sounds and fun will make your trip to Miami one you won’t forget.

Getting Here

 

 

Airports

MIA: Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main airport of Miami, and serves more than 1,000 daily flights to nearly 200 destinations in the US and internationally. Nearly every major airline has flights to Miami.

FLL: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located about 45 minutes north of Miami. FLL serves many major and regional airlines and can be another good alternative for your visit to South Florida.

 


Ground Transportation

Car rental: Renting a car is the best option from a GFNY perspective: to get around to see all area attractions, as well as getting to the expo and the start/finish. MIA airport has lots of car rental options.

Airport shuttles: Hotels near the airport offer free shuttles. Contact your hotel directly to coordinate your airport shuttle with them.

Uber: You can get picked up by Uber and Lyft drivers. Follow “Ride App” signs for the designated pickup locations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inaugural Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami April 21, 2024

The Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami is one of six GFNY in the US on the 2024 calendar

 

NEW YORK CITY, August 16, 2023 – GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series adds Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami, scheduled for April 21, to the 2024 race schedule.  It’s one of now six GFNY races in the US.

The competitive long distance is 70.9 miles, and with only 53 ft of climbing it’s the flattest GFNY race.  Expo and packet pickup will be held downtown. The race starts and finishes at the Miccosukee Resort & Casino on the western edge of Miami at the portal to the Everglades. Riders get to race on closed for the race lanes on Highway 997. 

“GFNY’s mission is two fold: bring a race close to any rider in the world and offer great destinations that riders want to travel to to race and have a good time,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “And Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami fits both perfectly.” 

Miami is an amazing destination race whether for GFNY riders from the Northeast, Latin America or Europe. And there is also a large contingent of GFNY riders who live there and have been doing the GFNY Sebring, GFNY NYC and other GFNY in the US.”

 

Website: miami.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.

 

Cycling

30-plus events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Miami 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,

 

Michelob ULTRA title sponsor of all GFNY USA 2024 races

The beer brand joins GFNY’s races in NYC, Miami, Pennsylvania, Maryland and more

 

 

Michelob ULTRA, the second fastest growing beer in the country that champions active enjoyment, is the official title sponsor of all 2024 GFNY Cycling races and Marathons in the US. This exciting collaboration brings together two entities dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle, passion for cycling and a commitment to supporting athletes from all walks of life. 

As the title sponsor, Michelob ULTRA will play a vital role in enhancing the GFNY experience for participants and spectators alike. The sponsorship will feature several exciting elements, including:

  1. Michelob ULTRA Finish Festival: At each GFNY event, participants and supporters will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at the Michelob ULTRA Finish Festival. The festival promises to be a hub of energy and camaraderie.
  2. Exclusive Michelob ULTRA Merchandise: As part of the partnership, limited-edition Michelob ULTRA and GFNY co-branded merchandise will be available for purchase, offering participants and fans a unique way to commemorate their GFNY experience.
  3. Media and Marketing Collaboration: Michelob ULTRA and GFNY will collaborate on marketing and media initiatives, amplifying the reach and impact of both brands.

This partnership represents a shared commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle,” says GFNY President Lidia Fluhme. “And we believe that Michelob ULTRA’s support will enhance the overall experience for our participants, making GFNY even more memorable for everyone involved.”

“Michelob ULTRA’s sponsorship of GFNY reaffirms the brand’s dedication to supporting endurance sports events that celebrate personal achievement and the joy of an active lifestyle. The partnership with GFNY signifies a step forward in promoting wellness and community engagement through cycling.”

GFNY races in the US in 2024 include among others the GFNY World Championship in New York City in May, a new GFNY Miami in April, and the GFNY Marathon Florida Sebring in October.

 

About Michelob ULTRA:

Introduced in 2002, Michelob ULTRA is the No. 2 beer in the industry by volume. With just 95 calories, 2.6 carbs and no artificial flavors or colors, it is a superior light beer that celebrates the active, balanced lifestyle of its drinkers that includes both fitness and fun. Michelob ULTRA’s choice of grains and extended mashing process leads to its refreshing taste and fewer carbohydrates. It is brewed with the finest barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure-cultured yeast strain, all of which reflect Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to brewing quality. Michelob ULTRA reminds you to always drink, and sweat, responsibly.

 

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.

 

Events

30-plus endurance sports events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

GFNY Videos: 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,

Sprint finish at Inaugural GFNY Rockford-Illinois

Andy Cicero and Olivia Wiktor win the first edition

 

 

New York City, August 9, 2023 – Rockford hosted the inaugural edition of GFNY Rockford this past Sunday.  The race course was 93.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 3583 feet.  

The race started off fast and already by mile 1.5,  forty riders formed the lead group.  After a string of attacks, a group of six riders successfully got away at mile 56, including GFNY Ann Arbor champ Ben Gorodetsky (NYC), Triple GFNY Florida champ Leon Santamaria (Miami) and Andy Cicero (Falls Church, VA).

Gorodetsky managed to break away and extended the lead during 15 miles to over 30 seconds.  

But with 17 miles to go, the remaining quartet caught up with Gorodetsky. Attacks started and in the five man sprint to the finish line, Cicero put in a surprising attack.  He took the win and crossed the finish line in 03:57:12, ahead of Santamaria and Gorodetsky.

In the female race, Olivia Wiktor (Team RETO, USA) took the solo win in 4:40:15, ahead of Mishelle Abreu (Dominican Republic) and Carolina Restrepo (Mexico) in third.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the fourth edition of GFNY Alpes Vaujany which will take place Sunday, August 27, 2023.

 

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.

 

Events

30-plus endurance sports events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Rockford 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,

Inaugural GFNY Rockford this Sunday

Situated just an hour from Chicago, Rockford is the ideal host for a GFNY in Illinois

 

New York City, August 3, 2023 -This Sunday, Rockford will host the first edition of GFNY Rockford.  The challenging race course is 93.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 3583 feet.  

Rockford, is the second largest city in Illinois, located just one hour away from Chicago.  GFNY riders, families and friends will enjoy a variety of activities such as museums, shops, bars and restaurants.

“Rockford is ready to receive the GFNY riders for a great summer race experience,” said GFNY President Lidia Fluhme. “Lindsay Arellano and the team of Rockford CVB have been tremendously supportive in making the race happen. Rockford is the ideal host town for riders from the Chicago Metropolitan area, our core East Coast audience as well as all the GFNY riders from abroad registered for the race.”

Race week activities will take place at the Venetian Club.  It includes the fun GFNY Rockford group ride on Friday and Saturday where riders get to do a relaxed ride together with friends and competitors. Guest star for the ride is cycling legend Nelson “The Cheetah” Vails.

 

Website: rockford.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.

 

Cycling

30-plus events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Rockford 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,

 

GFNY announces GFNY Kota Kinabalu

GFNY announces GFNY Kota Kinabalu
December 10, 2023

 

 

The Courses

 

The race begins from Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS) government office complex. PPNS is Borneo’s 2nd tallest building and offers an awe-inspiring venue for the start and finish of GFNY Kota Kinabalu. Get ready for an unforgettable course in and around Kota Kinabalu passing important highlights and attractions of Kota Kinabalu, on police-moderated roads. 
 
The impressive early kilometers are along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, a coastal road that skirts the Likas Bay on your right. Following Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, you’ll pass the Sabah International Convention Centre, and proceed straight into the city of Kota Kinabalu where you will see attractions such as the Jesselton Pier, shopping malls, golf courses, and Kota Kinabalu airport before heading towards the town of Putatan.  The Penampang–Kinarut / Papar Old Highway will lead you back to the city limits with some minor climbs before reaching the short but serious climb of Jalan Kolam Minintod. Continue north via the Tuaran Bypass Highway back to the city of Kota Kinabalu. 
 
The Medium Course riders will make a left turn at Jalan Sepangar, taking them back into the city towards the Finish Line at the PPNS building. Enjoy the post-race meal, music, celebrations and awards ceremony in front of the PPNS building.
 
The Long Course riders will continue riding north until the junction towards Tamparuli. Turn right at the roundabout into Jalan Tamparuli where you will pass a 200-meter-long Tamparuli Suspension Bridge before turning left into Jalan Topokon Labuaya. Enjoy a glimpse of the famous Mount Kinabalu on your right while enjoying a very challenging climb.

You will then get onto Jalan Tuaran–Kota Belud before turning right into Jalan Marabahai while passing the Horses Monument, a landmark of Tuaran District, before heading towards Jalan Sulaman, which you will stay on until the city limits. You will pass the famous grilled coconut stalls and the Royal Malaysian Navy Base at Sepangar Bay before turning into Jalan Politeknik, the Sabah Port Bypass, Jalan UMS and turning right towards the Finish Line at the Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS) building.

 

Long Route – 135.3 km / 1397 m+

 

Medium Route – 69.3 km / 608 m+

 

About Sabah

 

‘Feel Sabah, North Borneo’ is an invitation for you to discover the natural beauty of this land below the wind. Sabah offers spectacular natural wonders such as Mount Kinabalu, Maliau Basin, and Tip of Borneo, with rich, tropical wilderness, waterfalls, abundant wildlife & hiking trails.

Sabah’s waters are home to 394 islands, and their countless beaches and majestic coral reefs. Sipadan Island is one of the top 10 diving spots in the world boasting clear water and impressive marine life.

Sabah is one of the most culturally diverse states in Malaysia with over 30 indigenous groups with their own languages and beliefs. Sabahans are proud of their heritage and are always open to sharing their customs and traditions with the world.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in the northern part of the island of Borneo. Often referred to as KK, it’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. It’s known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches, and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. It is also the gateway to Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the home of the 4,095m-high Mount Kinabalu. 

Getting Here

 

 

Airports

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) (IATA:BKI), located approximately 8 kms southwest of Kota Kinabalu city center, is the main gateway to the State of Sabah. KKIA is the 2nd busiest airport in Malaysia behind Kuala Lumpur airport.
 
KKIA serves as an important hub for most of the local airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Batik Air, MASwings and many other international airlines like Shanghai Airlines, Jeju Air, Royal Brunei, Air Busan, Scoot, Cebu Pacific Air, Air Busan and many more.  
 
International travelers can also connect to KKIA via Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Brunei International Airport. 

 


Airport transfers

 

Metered Taxi
The best option is to take a taxi from the airport to the city center. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the city center, and the cost is approximately 30 MYR (approximately $7 USD).

Shuttle Bus
Another option and the cheapest way to travel from Kota Kinabalu Airport to the city center is by bus. You can take the local bus for a cost of 5 MYR (approximately $1.5 USD). The bus journey takes around 25 minutes.

Grab (Similar to Uber)
You can book a Grab from KKIA, go to the area called Pickup/Drop-off point.

Shuttle/Limo services
Some hotels in Kota Kinabalu may provide shuttle/limo services from the airport to their premises. If you have pre-booked accommodation, it’s worth checking with your hotel if they offer this service.  Another option is to check with the Official Travel & Tour Agent of GNFY KK for all available transportation and tour services.

It’s important to note that these transportation options are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check for updates before your trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GFNY Super Sunday with two races a continent apart

The 2nd edition of GFNY Grand Ballon – France and 4th edition of GFNY Costa Rica took place last Sunday

 

 

GFNY Grand Ballon

Hosted by the town of Thann, GFNY Grand Ballon offered racers a mountainous 147.3 km long course with 4060m of climbing across the beautiful Vosges mountains in summer heat.

800 riders had to tackle legendary Grand Ballon first and a lead group of 35 formed up the climb. By Col du Firstplan, the group was whittled down to nine riders, containing Belgian Frederic Glorieux (third last year), compatriot Vince Mattens who just had won GFNY Villard de Lans, French David De Vecchi and former pro 10,000m runner Lukas Eisele (Germany). 

By the time the last climb, Col du Petit Ballon, was on the menu, Glorieux and Mattens went clear from the rest of the group. On the final descent into Thann, Glorieux successfully dropped Mattens who descended with the brakes on after just having sustained a crash a few days earlier and lacking the confidence. Glorieux takes the solo win ahead of Mattens and Eisele.

In the female race, Emma Wasser won in 5:31:27, 18 minutes ahead of Hugoline Roger and Elodie Robert who completed the all French podium.

Website: grandballon.gfny.com

 

GFNY Costa Rica

4th GFNY Costa Rica offered riders a 145.5km long course with an elevation gain of 2868m at outdoor sports mekka La Fortuna in the Arenal volcano national park.

700 riders took on the undulating course across the jungle. Richard Zamora of Bike & Inverse took the early initiative and escaped solo. A compact group of 18 riders chased but the chase was never organized enough to close the gap. 

Richard Zamora took the win in 4:33:29 followed by Alejandro Araya and Rene Diers who completed the all Costa Rican podium.

In the female race, Ana Mendez won in 4:56:10, 14 minutes ahead of 2022 GFNY Costa Rica champion Giovanna Tanzi and Marcela Rubiano.

Website: costarica.gfny.com

 

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the inaugural edition of GFNY Rockford which will take place Sunday, August 6, 2023.

 

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.

 

Cycling

30-plus events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Grand Ballon video: here

Official GFNY Costa Rica 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,

 

GFNY announces GFNY Kota Kinabalu

GFNY announces GFNY Kota Kinabalu
December 10, 2023

 

 

The Courses

 

The race begins from Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS) government office complex. PPNS is Borneo’s 2nd tallest building and offers an awe-inspiring venue for the start and finish of GFNY Kota Kinabalu. Get ready for an unforgettable course in and around Kota Kinabalu passing important highlights and attractions of Kota Kinabalu, on police-moderated roads. 
 
The impressive early kilometers are along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, a coastal road that skirts the Likas Bay on your right. Following Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, you’ll pass the Sabah International Convention Centre, and proceed straight into the city of Kota Kinabalu where you will see attractions such as the Jesselton Pier, shopping malls, golf courses, and Kota Kinabalu airport before heading towards the town of Putatan.  The Penampang–Kinarut / Papar Old Highway will lead you back to the city limits with some minor climbs before reaching the short but serious climb of Jalan Kolam Minintod. Continue north via the Tuaran Bypass Highway back to the city of Kota Kinabalu. 
 
The Medium Course riders will make a left turn at Jalan Sepangar, taking them back into the city towards the Finish Line at the PPNS building. Enjoy the post-race meal, music, celebrations and awards ceremony in front of the PPNS building.
 
The Long Course riders will continue riding north until the junction towards Tamparuli. Turn right at the roundabout into Jalan Tamparuli where you will pass a 200-meter-long Tamparuli Suspension Bridge before turning left into Jalan Topokon Labuaya. Enjoy a glimpse of the famous Mount Kinabalu on your right while enjoying a very challenging climb.

You will then get onto Jalan Tuaran–Kota Belud before turning right into Jalan Marabahai while passing the Horses Monument, a landmark of Tuaran District, before heading towards Jalan Sulaman, which you will stay on until the city limits. You will pass the famous grilled coconut stalls and the Royal Malaysian Navy Base at Sepangar Bay before turning into Jalan Politeknik, the Sabah Port Bypass, Jalan UMS and turning right towards the Finish Line at the Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS) building.

 

Long Route – 135.3 km / 1397 m+

 

Medium Route – 69.3 km / 608 m+

 

About Sabah

 

‘Feel Sabah, North Borneo’ is an invitation for you to discover the natural beauty of this land below the wind. Sabah offers spectacular natural wonders such as Mount Kinabalu, Maliau Basin, and Tip of Borneo, with rich, tropical wilderness, waterfalls, abundant wildlife & hiking trails.

Sabah’s waters are home to 394 islands, and their countless beaches and majestic coral reefs. Sipadan Island is one of the top 10 diving spots in the world boasting clear water and impressive marine life.

Sabah is one of the most culturally diverse states in Malaysia with over 30 indigenous groups with their own languages and beliefs. Sabahans are proud of their heritage and are always open to sharing their customs and traditions with the world.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in the northern part of the island of Borneo. Often referred to as KK, it’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. It’s known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches, and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. It is also the gateway to Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the home of the 4,095m-high Mount Kinabalu. 

Getting Here

 

 

Airports

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) (IATA:BKI), located approximately 8 kms southwest of Kota Kinabalu city center, is the main gateway to the State of Sabah. KKIA is the 2nd busiest airport in Malaysia behind Kuala Lumpur airport.
 
KKIA serves as an important hub for most of the local airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, Batik Air, MASwings and many other international airlines like Shanghai Airlines, Jeju Air, Royal Brunei, Air Busan, Scoot, Cebu Pacific Air, Air Busan and many more.  
 
International travelers can also connect to KKIA via Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Brunei International Airport. 

 


Airport transfers

 

Metered Taxi
The best option is to take a taxi from the airport to the city center. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the city center, and the cost is approximately 30 MYR (approximately $7 USD).

Shuttle Bus
Another option and the cheapest way to travel from Kota Kinabalu Airport to the city center is by bus. You can take the local bus for a cost of 5 MYR (approximately $1.5 USD). The bus journey takes around 25 minutes.

Grab (Similar to Uber)
You can book a Grab from KKIA, go to the area called Pickup/Drop-off point.

Shuttle/Limo services
Some hotels in Kota Kinabalu may provide shuttle/limo services from the airport to their premises. If you have pre-booked accommodation, it’s worth checking with your hotel if they offer this service.  Another option is to check with the Official Travel & Tour Agent of GNFY KK for all available transportation and tour services.

It’s important to note that these transportation options are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check for updates before your trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GFNY announces second race in Malaysia

GFNY Kota Kinabalu is GFNY´s 6th race in Asia in 2023

 

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series adds GFNY Kota Kinabalu, scheduled for December 10, 2023. It’s one of now six GFNY races in Asia aside from the Indonesian races in Bali and Mandalika, Krabi and Khao Yai in Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. 

The competitive long distance is 135.3km with 1397m of climbing with start and finish at Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS), Borneo´s second tallest building.  The course will take riders along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, a coastal road that skirts the Likas Bay into the city of Kota Kinabalu and up short but serious climbs of Jalan Kolam Minintod.  Riders will get a glimpse of the infamous Mount Kinabalu while enjoying a very challenging climb.

Offering GFNY riders in Asia more local race opportunities has been one of our major goals,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “Our teams in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia make dreams come true for road cyclists. GFNY Kota Kinabalu on Borneo is widening the net of GFNYs in South East Asia and brings a race closer to many riders.”

When we started GFNY World in 2014 with the first races outside NYC, we made it our goal to bring a GFNY near any rider in the world. While we have come a long way and GFNY is now the world’s largest mass participation cycling series, we keep working relentlessly to come closer and closer to our goal.”

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city surrounded by rainforest, capital of Sabah in the northern part of the island of Borneo.  It is known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront city mosque.  It is also a gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Kinabalu National Park, the home of 4,095m high Mount Kinabalu which is the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. 

 

Website: kotakinabalu.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.

 

Cycling

30-plus events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Kota Kinabalu 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,

 

Super Sunday: two GFNY races on same day

The 2nd edition of GFNY Grand Ballon and 4th edition of GFNY Costa Rica will take place on Sunday, July 9

 

With the ever growing GFNY calendar now consisting of over 30 races, having two races on the same day is becoming more common. In 2023, there will be three Sundays where this happens.

Obviously we’re trying to avoid date collisions on the GFNY calendar where possible, in particular for races in the same region,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “But when finding a suitable date, our internal preferences often take a backseat to local and national considerations. Either way, when we’re talking about one race being in France and one in Costa Rica like this weekend, having them on the same day is not an issue for us.”

 

GFNY Grand Ballon

The 2nd edition of GFNY Grand Ballon  starts from the historic town center of Thann and offers racers a 147.3 km long course with 4060m of climbing. The Vosges mountains are a staple at the Tour. Host town Thann is one of the most beautiful destinations in France and is the beginning of the Alsace Wine Route.

Website: grandballon.gfny.com

 

GFNY Costa Rica

The course of the 4th GFNY Costa Rica is 145.5km long with an elevation gain of 2868m.  It is a relentlessly undulating course which goes through the jungle around El Arenal Volcano.  La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprising two volcanoes. The active volcano “Arenal” is still laced with lava flows. The hot springs in the area are a favorite among the racers and families for post race recovery. 

Website: costarica.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.

 

Cycling

30-plus events 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 World event.

 

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 12th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 19, 2024. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Grand Ballon video: here

Official GFNY Costa Rica 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,

 

Partners - Global