2nd GFNY Cannes this Sunday

Spring racing at the Côte d’Azur in style

 

This Sunday, GFNY Cannes offers riders a challenging 111.3 km race course with an elevation gain of 2013 m.  Riders will tackle a spectacular route from the shores of Cannes at the Côte d’Azur onto curvy and hilly hinterland roads with two significant climbs: Col du Tanneron with 7.5km of climbing and Col d’Avaye with 13.7km climbing.

“We’re honored to have the support of the Mayor of Cannes David Lisnard and the famous Palais de Festivals under the guidance of Régis Faure,” says GFNY President Lidia Fluhme.

GFNY is THE cycling race of Cannes and we’re proud to line up alongside much more world famous events such as the Cannes Film Festival. Our team led by GFNY France CEO Cedric Haas is working relentlessly to do its part in why Cannes won the title as world’s best event destination.”

Race week activities will take place at Palais des Festivals.  It includes the fun GFNY Cannes group ride on Friday and Saturday exclusive to GFNY VIP riders.  On Sunday the race will start in front of the Mediterranean sea along the Boulevard du Midi – Louise Moreau, at the beautiful beach of Cannes La Bocca.  

GFNY riders, families and friends will get to experience one of the most glamorous places on earth, with the jet-set letting loose on the sandy beaches, fine restaurants and bars, luxury boutiques, private yachts, and the palace hotels lining the famous Boulevard de la Croisette.

 

Website: cannes.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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. 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 Cannes 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,

 

Reyes and Otero win GFNY Republica Dominicana

The Caribbean island offered ideal racing conditions and white sand beach vibes at the third edition

 

New York City, March 22, 2023 – Punta Cana hosted the third edition of GFNY Republica Dominicana this past Sunday.  The long challenging racecourse was 149.7 km with an elevation gain of 962 m.

Under perfect weather conditions, the race started off fast with over 500 racers at BlueMall Punta Cana.  The peloton split at km 25 with a leading group of 150 riders forming.  It was at km 55 that a group of ten riders including 2022 champion Elvis Reyes (Puerto Rico) and 2019 champion Edwin Morel (USA), made the break from the peloton.

After a very fast descent, Adames (Dominican Republic) and Reyes managed to break away from the lead group and quickly extended the lead to over 3 min.  With 25km left to the finish, Reyes put in an attack that Adames couldn´t match.  He took the solo win in 3:37:06 minutes ahead of de Adames. Sanchez (Dominican Republic) rounded out the podium.

In the female race, GFNY Puerto Rico champ Eriales Otero (Puerto Rico) took the win in a very tight sprint in 3:50:38 against defending champion Gabriella Tejada (Dominican Republic).  Stephany Contreras (Dominican Republic) finished in third place.  

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the third edition of GFNY Cannes which will take place this Sunday, March 26, 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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. 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 Republica Dominicana 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 Republica Dominicana this Sunday

The Caribbean island will host the third edition

 

This Sunday, GFNY Republica Dominicana offers riders a challenging 149.7 km race course with an elevation gain of 962 m.  Punta Cana with its white sand beaches, blue turquoise water and tropical weather, is the second most popular tourist destination in Latin America.

“Within two editions only, GFNY RD has become a rider favorite thanks to the outstanding work of the team around Norita Bello, Edwin de los Santos, Hamlet Montás and Tony Acosta,” says GFNY President Lidia Fluhme.

At GFNY, we want to make sure that family and friends accompanying the riders have a good time. Who would say no to a trip to white sand beaches in an area of luxurious all-inclusive resorts popular for windsurfing, kayaking and sailing – especially after a long and dark winter?” 

Race week activities will take place at BlueMall Punta Cana.  It includes the fun GFNY Republica Dominicana group ride on Saturday where riders get to do a relaxed ride together with friends and competitors.  On Sunday, riders will tackle the flat to rolling course surrounded on one side by the intense green and impressive hills, and on the other side the amazing Caribbean sea.  The main challenge of the day will be the finish stretch from Maco to BlueMall Punta Cana due to its stiff headwinds from the sea.

GFNY riders, families and friends will get to experience an area of luxurious all-inclusive resorts popular for cycling, zip-lining, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.   

 

Website: puntacana.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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. 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 Republica Dominicana 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 second race in Thailand

GFNY Khao Yai is GFNY´s 4th race in Asia in 2023

 

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series adds GFNY Khao Yai, scheduled for October 8, 2023. It’s one of now five GFNY races in Asia aside from the Indonesian races in Bali and Mandalika, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Krabi (Thailand).

The competitive long distance is 166.8km with 2179m of climbing with start and finish at Le Monte Hotel Khao Yai.  The course takes riders through small local villages, strawberry fields, scenic hills and forests.

“GFNY Khao Yai is another big step for GFNY’s growth in Southeast Asia,” says GFNY President Lidia Fluhme. At GFNY Kuala Lumpur last month, the majority of riders came from Indonesia because GFNY is the original cycling marathon there since 2016 and has had a strong presence ever since with several races. Having more races in the region will give more riders easier access to GFNY as well as existing GFNY riders new options for race destinations. It’s our goal to be able to offer ten GFNYs in Southeast Asia by 2025.”

Khao Yai, which means Big Mountain, is a popular tourist destination, located three hours North-East Bangkok.  It offers a variety of landscapes including sunflower fields, forests and hills spanning elevations from 100 meters to more than 1400 meters.  Khao Yai is home to Thailand’s largest national park and UNESCO World Heritage national park where wild elephants roam free.   

 

Website: khaoyai.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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. 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 Khao Yai 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,

 

Martín Ercila and Tamires Radatz took the win at the shores of South America’s swanky beach town

 

 

New York City, March 14, 2023 – Uruguay hosted the sixth edition of GFNY Punta del Este this past Sunday.  The revamped racecourse was 146 km with an elevation gain of 1653 m.

In hot late summer conditions, the race started off fast at Playa Mansa in the heart of Punta del Este. It was at km 36 at the start of iconic Punta Ballena climb, when a group of six riders, including defending champion Omar Azzem and GFNY Colonia champion Martin Ercila (both Argentina), made the break from the peloton.

After a string of unsuccessful attacks from both riders to escape for a solo finish, at the end it was Ercila who took the win in a very tight sprint finish in 4:07:57 against Azzem.  Oviedo rounded out the all Argentinian podium. 

In the female race, GFNY Bento Gonçalves champ Tamires Radatz (Brazil) took the win in 4:11:38, almost 22 minutes ahead of defending champion and GFNY Punta del Este winner Cecilia Caillabet.  Paula Pollono (Argentina) finished in third place.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the third edition of GFNY Republica Dominicana which will take place this Sunday, March 19, 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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. 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 Punta del Este 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 Khao Yai

GFNY announces GFNY Khao Yai
October 8, 2023

 

 

The Courses

 

Khao Yai has a variety of landscapes including the national park with its forest, sunflower fields, a winery and fields growing tropical vegetables

The route for both medium and long course riders will start next to Le Monte Hotel Khao Yai. After cycling 500 meters on the main road, riders will turn right onto a narrow road passing private houses, strawberry fields and gardens. The course takes you through small local villages before reaching a wide road with the first scenic hills.

Passing Toscana Valley with its beautiful Toscana inspired Italian village setting, the course turns left to ride through fields with flowers and an amazing view over Khao Yai. From there, you will continue riding over green rolling hills through beautiful countryside in a unique setting.

At km 110, the long course and medium course rejoin as you ride towards the finish line.

 

 

Long Route – 166.8 km / 2179 m+

 

Medium Route – 73.6 km / 788 m+

 

About Khao Yai

 

Located 3 hours north-east of Bangkok, the picturesque high country of Khao Yai can’t be more different from Thailand’s bustling capital. Apart from quirky European villages with restaurants serving international and local cuisine, sprawling sunflower fields, vineyards, pretty farmland, and a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from world-class hotels to home stays, (all connected with rural roads and newly built modern roads), Khao Yai is also home to Thailand’s largest national park where wild elephants roam free.

Up there on the podium with some of the world’s greatest national parks, Khao Yai is Thailand’s oldest and most visited national park. Covering 2168 sq km, Khao Yai incorporates one of the largest intact monsoon forests remaining in mainland Asia, which is why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Khao Yai (Big Mountain) attracts one million visitors a year. One of the largest forests in Southeast Asia, Khao Yai boasts four vegetation zones, spanning elevations from 100 meters to more than 1,400 meters. In its forest and savannah, the park supports a wild elephant herd estimated at 300.

Getting Here

 

Bangkok, Thailand has hundreds daily flights from Asia, Australia and Europe and America

Flight times from:

  • Singapore 2.5 hours
  • Hong Kong 3.5 hours
  • Kuala Lumpur 2 hours
  • Bali 4 hours
  • Perth 7 hours
  • Europe 12 hours
  • America 24 hours

The majority of international arrivals land in Bangkok, where the local guide will arrange transportation to either transfer you direct to the Khao Yai Hotel or use the ideal opportunity to stop over in Bangkok to visit the capital of Thailand. Combine the race with a stay in Bangkok and join the pre-arranged transportation to Khao Yai after riding a day or two in Bangkok.

After the GFNY race, you can travel extra days around Thailand, domestic airlines are available from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok. Airline support and pick up can be arranged at any of the airports. You choose the destination and we are able to support. Contact Go Thailand Tours, GFNY’s Official Tour Partner, to assist you with all your travel needs during your visit to Thailand

 

 

 

 

GFNY announces GFNY Mandalika

GFNY announces GFNY Mandalika
November 26, 2023

 

 

The Course

 

The start for the Long and Medium Distance will be in the Pertamina Mandalika Street Circuit. Enjoy the flair of an international race track. It will be an exceptional start, experience a lap on this race course before we follow the well built Mandalika road with moderate slopes together until km 32, where the two courses split.

 

 

Long Route – 133.8 km / 1647 m+

 

Medium Route – 72.7 km / 951 m+

 

About Mandalika

 

Mandalika is a popular tourist destination located on the south coast of Lombok. Known for its long white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and rich culture and history, the area attracts visitors looking to enjoy a variety of activities such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, and shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts. Kuta is also a popular spot for culinary delights, with many restaurants serving traditional Indonesian and international dishes. Additionally, the area offers the opportunity for paragliding, as it boasts breathtaking views and good thermal conditions.

The government of Indonesia has made significant efforts in recent years to develop Mandalika as a major tourist center. One of the key developments is the construction of a race circuit complex in Mandalika, which will serve as a MotoGP race track, where we start and finish.

The area also offers the opportunity to visit traditional villages inhabited by the Sasak people, such as Sade and Ende. These villages provide a glimpse into local culture and architecture and the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the inhabitants. These traditional places offer a chance to learn about and understand the traditional way of life of the locals of Lombok.

Getting Here

 


You can reach GFNY Mandalika in many ways:TRAVEL BY AIRInternational Direct Flights

  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Singapore

Domestic Flights

  • Jakarta
  • Bali
  • Surabaya
  • Yogyakarta

TRAVEL BY SEA

It is very comfortable to come with your own car to Lombok by Ferry boat.

  • Bali – 5 hours
  • Surabaya – 20 hours
  • Banyuwangi (Ketapang) – 18 hours

 

 

 

 

 

Riders will tackle an updated race course

This Sunday, GFNY Punta del Este offers riders a demanding 146 km race course with an elevation gain of 1653 m. Start and finish will be at Parador Pedro Figari beach club in the heart of the swanky Punta del Este, one of Latin Americans most famous beach towns.

“This race is one of the GFNY classics by now with a slightly updated course for 2023,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “For many riders in southern South America, it’s their peak goal with fitness gained during the summer put to use.”

But it’s also a great opportunity for anyone living in North America to open up their season in a destination that’s just an overnight flight away – and no jet lag to worry about. The vibe in Punta del Este is unique and will appeal to families as well as single travelers alike. It’s a destination that should be on anyone’s must-have-been list.” 

The race starts in the heart of Playa Mansa, leaving town along wild beaches, pine forests, luxury homes and natural lakes up to the first important climb:  the iconic Punta Ballena.  

Race week activities will take place at Espacio Gorlero and to complete the incredible GFNY Punta del Este experience, there will be a post race meal celebration and awards ceremony.

 

Website: puntadeleste.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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging 100-mile route from NYC to Bear Mountain to Fort Lee 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 Punta del Este 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,

 

Muñiz and Prieto win GFNY Monterrey

José Ramón Muñiz (Team Petrolike – Mexico) took the solo win in the male race while Patobike-BMC owned the female race for second year in a row

 

New York City, March 8, 2023 – Mexico’s metropolis Monterrey hosted the fifth edition of GFNY Monterrey this past Sunday.  The racecourse was 137 km with an elevation gain of 1386m first through the heart of the city and then with the traditional mountaintop finish on iconic Chipinque. 

The race started out fast with a very strong peloton including defending female champion Marcela Prieto with her stacked Patobike-BMC team,  double GFNY Monterrey male champion Miguel Arroyo, 2022 runner up Miguel Díaz, GFNY Zapopan winner José Ramón Muñiz and GFNY Cozumel champion Chris Hanz.

After a string of attacks, it was at km 60 when Tomas Aguirre and Jalil Escalante  successfully got away from the peloton.  Working well together, they extended their lead to over two minutes.  Arroyo and Muñiz, who were in the chase group, tried their best to close the gap.  During the Chipinque climb Torres, Diaz and Muñiz attacked hard in pursuit of Aguirre.  José Ramón Muñiz put in the decisive move and took the solo win in 2:52:54 followed by Miguel Diaz and Christopher Torres who completed the all Mexican podium.

In the female race,  Team Patobike-BMC dominated again taking not only the first three spots but eight out of the first eleven. Marcela Prieto defended her title in 2:57:42 followed by Carime Flores and Karen Villamizar who rounded out the team podium.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the 6th GFNY Punta del Este – Uruguay which will take place this Sunday, March 12, 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 11th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 21, 2023. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging 100-mile route from NYC to Bear Mountain to Fort Lee 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 Monterrey 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,

 

International Women’s Day spotlight

The cycling industry should tap the purchasing power of women cyclists, says first-time GFNY rider Miki Edelman.

Miki Edelman, who works in the financial industry in New York, first got introduced to cycling by way of spin classes. She had just finished a knee operation, and it became apparent that she had to limit herself to certain sports. So began a journey that brought her back to better health — and to various cities around the world. She discovered cycling while she was in Denver, where she started riding outdoors, and then she continued the sport after she moved to Japan and Taiwan, and later England. 

“I enjoy riding because it is both great for the mind and body,” she said of the sport she stuck with since moving back to the United States. 

Edelman played all kinds of sports growing up. She was the only girl on an all-boys baseball team, and she played high school basketball, which is where her knee injuries started. 

“I have been fortunate to have lived and worked all over the world — Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, London, the U.S. I had some great adventures climbing the steepest parts of the Great Wall of China, climbing all the steps to the top of Taipei 101,” formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, which was once the world’s tallest skyscraper when it opened in 2004. (It remains the tallest building in Taiwan today.)

To Edelman, the cycling industry has made huge strides through the years, and as the world recognizes International Women’s Day on March 8, she points out some recent progress.

Women overall drive most of the consumer purchasing decisions, up to 80%, and that’s something companies should capitalize on and recognize, she said.

“Doing right by women in professional cycling or any sport is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good for business,” Edelman says.

Statistics show that over 80 percent of purchases and purchase influence are made by women. That tells me it is in the best interest of companies and sponsors to get more involved in women’s sports like cycling,” she said. 

“It was a couple of years ago when Trek increased women’s pay to equal or exceed minimum requirements for the men’s world tour ahead of being told to do so,” said Edelman, who owns a Trek Emonda and Trek Domane touring bikes. 

I was glad to see Zwift bring the TDF Femmes avec Zwift to the center stage. Doing right by women in professional cycling or any sport is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good for business,” she said. 

The Tour de France last year kicked off the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, an 8-day stage competition in Paris that marked the first time in 33 years that there was an official women’s Tour de France stage race.

Meanwhile, Edelman is currently in training and has been an avid cyclist for about 15 years now. This will be her first GFNY ride in New York.

“I had a lot of health issues over the past couple of years — insulin resistance leading to a lot of weight gain despite exercising, type 2 diabetes. While I still have a ways to go, I have beaten the insulin resistance, beaten type 2 diabetes and am down over 80 pounds. I have worked with a cycling coach, nutritionist and primary care doctor to get here.”

She said she wants to do GFNY to challenge herself mentally and physically and “to take the new me on a challenge.” 

“I am doing the 50-mile ride and whatever time I end up setting this year, I hope to use that as a benchmark to beat in subsequent years,” she said. “My experience with cycling is that it is a very inclusive sport, and maybe that is why I love it so much.”

As a female cyclist, she said she hasn’t faced any particular challenges, but she does have advice for those who may face hurdles.

“Go for it and break the glass ceilings, break records, shine, persevere and have grit. Write your own journey and make it spectacular,” she said. “A quote I heard once was ‘Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire,’ by Jennifer Lee and that really resonates.” 

 

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