Inaugural GFNY Rockford this Sunday

Written by GFNY on August 3, 2023.

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

Written by GFNY on July 11, 2023.

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

Written by GFNY on July 12, 2023.

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

Written by GFNY on July 11, 2023.

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

Written by GFNY on July 11, 2023.

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

Written by GFNY on July 6, 2023.

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,

 

L’Alpe d’Huez climb protagonist at GFNY La Vaujany

Written by GFNY on July 5, 2023.

After 151 km and 3914m of climbing, the race was won by a French and a Swiss

 

New York City, July 5, 2023 – The alpine mountain village of Vaujany hosted the third edition of GFNY La Vaujany this past Sunday.  The racecourse was 151 km long with an elevation gain of 3914 m and included the legendary climb of L’Alpe d’Huez among other cols.

The climb up Col de la Mort right away split the peloton in three groups and proved to be the death for many racer’s hopes to win the race.  18 riders formed a lead group after cresting Col d’Ornon and heading into the lower slopes of L’Alpe d’Huez.  After several attacks, four riders escaped the main group: Jonas Vercoutter (Belgium), Alexander Banegas (France), Armin Dederichs (Switzerland) and Marco Provera (Italy). Together, they summited legendary L’Alpe d’Huez.

During the descent, the four riders worked together so it was on the final climb up to the spectacular mountain village of Vaujany where the chips were going to fall. Dederichs launched the decisive attack with 5km to go and took the win in 4:53:50 followed closely by Provera and Banegas.

In the female race, freshly crowned GFNY Villard de Lans champion Alison Chavanon (France) took the win also at GFNY La Vaujany in 6:03:03, six minutes ahead of Italians Mara Manfredi and Iride Bertone.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is a Super Sunday with two races on the same day: the 2nd edition of GFNY Grand Ballon and the 4th edition of GFNY Costa Rica will take place Sunday, July 9, 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 La Vaujany 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,

 

Conquer the King of the Wind at GFNY Cozumel: Top 10 Tips for a Record-Breaking Time

The GFNY Cozumel is a dream race for cyclists seeking a challenging course with breathtaking views. One of the most exciting sections of the race is the notorious “King of the Wind,” where cyclists battle strong winds while racing past beautiful turquoise waters. The King of the Wind section takes between 20 to 40 minutes depending on your fitness and riding skills, making it an excellent opportunity for pushing yourself to the limit and achieving your best time. To help you conquer this section of the race, we’ve compiled the top 10 tips:

 

  1. Aerodynamics is key: Optimize your position on the bike to reduce wind resistance and gain that extra speed. Riding in your drops is the best way to get that aero advantage.
  2. Train in windy conditions: Get comfortable riding in windy conditions to build strength and improve your handling skills.
  3. Study the route: Familiarize yourself with the King of the Wind section by analyzing the course map and studying the wind patterns. You will face head and cross winds at different sections.
  4. Choose the right gear: Select the appropriate gear ratio to maintain a steady and efficient cadence throughout the section.
  5. Practice pacing: Find your optimal rhythm by practicing pacing during training rides to ensure you don’t burn out too quickly.
  6. Stay mentally focused: Concentrate on maintaining a consistent effort and stay focused on your speed and technique.
  7. Draft strategically: Utilize group riding skills to draft behind other cyclists for a temporary boost in speed. Learn the different drafting formations.
  8. Be aware of crosswinds: Keep a firm grip on the handlebars and make slight adjustments to counteract the effects of crosswinds.
  9. Maintain nutrition and hydration: Properly fuel your body to maintain energy levels throughout the entire race.
  10. Stay positive: Your mindset plays a crucial role in your performance. Stay positive, push through the tough moments, and believe in your abilities.

 

While the King of the Wind section is notorious for its challenging winds, it’s also known for its stunning ocean views. Cyclists race alongside Cozumel’s pristine beaches, marveling at the crystal-clear waters that glitter under the sun. So, keep your head up and enjoy the stunning scenery while you tackle this segment.

By applying these ten tips, you’re ready to conquer the King of the Wind section at GFNY Cozumel and achieve your best time. Remember, it may take you anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to complete this segment depending on your fitness level and riding skills, making it an excellent challenge for pushing yourself to the limit. Embrace the challenge, push your limits, and enjoy the thrill of cycling in this paradisiacal part of the world.

 

GFNY tackles L’Alpe d’Huez at GFNY La Vaujany this Sunday

Written by GFNY on June 29, 2023.

Riders will get to race the iconic L’Alpe d’Huez climb

New York City, June 29, 2023 -This Sunday, mountain village Vaujany, located in the French Alps, will host the third edition of GFNY La Vaujany.  The challenging race course is 151 km long with an elevation gain of 3914m. Riders will tackle the lesser known Col de la Morte and Col d’Ornon before facing the mythical switchbacks of L’Alpe d’Huez. But it’s likely the final climb up to host town Vaujany that will decide the race. 

“Every cyclist dreams of riding L’Alpe d’Huez at least once in their life,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “But at GFNY, you even get to actually do it in a race, after 111km and already over 2000m of climbing. You get to experience how the pros feel tackling this legend during the Tour.”

Vaujany offers all the amenities a rider and accompanying friends and family could wish for in a mountain village destination: clean mountain air, spectacular hikes, mountain bike trails, legendary cols nearby and much more.

 

Website: lavaujany.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 La Vaujany 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 Lourdes Tourmalet: Dutch and French win after 4064m of climbing

Written by GFNY on June 14, 2023.

Nicolas Capdepuy and Nicolien Luijsterburg prevail in the Pyrenées

 

New York City, June 14, 2023 – The famous pilgrimage town of Lourdes hosted the second edition of GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet this past Sunday.  The racecourse was 157 km long with an elevation gain of 4064 m and included the legendary Pyrenées climbs Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet.

The race started fast with a lead group of sixteen riders attacking Col d’Aspin together. French riders Nicolas Capdepuy and Sebastien Pillon hit the gas hard and exploded the group.  

On the ascent of the famous Col du Tourmalet the two riders kept attacking each – to no avail. During the descent off Tourmalet, Pillon put pressure on Capdepuy and gained a 45 second lead with 30km to go. But Capdepuy didn’t give up and came back to Pillon. On the last rolling hill with 2 km to go to the finish, Capdepuy launched the final attack and finished solo in 4:47:33 after a hard battle against a very strong Sebastien Pillon on this difficult course. Aimeric Bardoulat closed out the all French podium four minutes back. It’s going to be interesting to see them compete at the GFNY World Championship in NYC on May 19, 2024 on a course that favors punchy riders over pure climbers.

In the female race, Dutch rider Nicolien Luijsterburg (Team RETO) took the solo win in 5:41:48, 38 minutes ahead of GFNY Cannes runner-up Celine Bourbousson (France, Team Veloshop) and  Selenne Bonnefoy (France) in third.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the second edition of GFNY La Vaujany which will take place Sunday, July 2, 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 Lourdes Tourmalet video: here

GFNY Press Images: here 

GFNY Results: here

GFNY World calendar graphic: here

Previous GFNY press releases: here

 

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