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

 

Media Contact

Gran Fondo New York Inc.

Uli Fluhme,

Caroline Lindsay,

 

3rd GFNY Florida Sebring double-race weekend: marathon and bike race coming up in October 2023

Written by GFNY on June 13, 2023.

Super weekend with GFNY Marathon Florida Sebring on October 21 followed by the GFNY Florida Sebring cycling race on October 22 

 

 

 

On October 21-22, 2023, two endurance races take place in Florida’s home of endurance racing: On Oct 21, runners will take on a marathon and half marathon race from the Barn at Paso Fino. On October 22, one thousand cyclists from across the USA and 50+ countries will ride on a challenging 95-mile cycling marathon in Highlands and Hardee Counties. 

 

GFNY Florida Sebring cycling race

GFNY Florida Sebring offers riders a challenging 95-mile race course with 707 ft of elevation gain.  Riders will tackle a fast but demanding course, considered the hardest and biggest road race of Florida, with complete police-moderated intersections, fully stocked aid stations and mechanical and SAG van support.   

Race week activities will take place at the Barn at Paso Fino.  It includes the fun GFNY happy hour on Friday afternoon and a group rides on Friday and Saturday morning.  On Sunday, the race will start at the Barn at Paso Fino at 7:30am.  From the Barn at Paso Fino the race enters the closed-to-traffic lane on the Highway Route 66. Five miles later, riders enter a scenic 35-mile loop through Hardee County, where the wind will be the main challenge aside from the high pace. 

GFNY Sebring is both a festive and exciting season closer for North American cycling, as well as a cycling highlight of the year for the beauty of the race course, on-course safety and  high level of organization for a major cycling event in Florida.

Website: florida.gfny.com

 

GFNY Marathon Florida Sebring

The 3rd  GFNY Marathon Florida Sebring offers runners a full and half marathon.  Start and finish take place at the Barn at Paso Fino. The course is flat and lightning fast on roads dedicated specifically for GFNY athletes. The USATF measured course is not only a Boston and NYC qualifier but also a chance for runners to qualify for the Wanda World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship.

GFNY Marathon Florida gives a chance for runners to be a part of the festive GFNY Florida race week activities, but without bikes. The same high-level of organization carried out for cyclists is offered to runners: frequent, fully stocked aid stations, a festive fan zone, and athlete perks. 

Website: floridamarathon.gfny.com

 

Multi-sport endurance weekend at GFNY Florida

The GFNY Florida run-bike race weekend also offers multi-sport athletes a unique sport weekend, with a marathon or half on Saturday and a cycling marathon on Sunday – for someone who is looking for a multi-sport challenge.

In addition, the multi-sport weekend offers families who either run or bike to enjoy a sport weekend taking on their respective sports challenges while also having the chance to support each other on their non-race days.

Join GFNY Florida Sebring this October in the endurance capital of Florida to take on your sports challenge. 

 

Website: floridamarathon.gfny.com and florida.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 Florida Sebring cycling video: here

Official GFNY Florida Sebring marathon 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 this Sunday

Written by GFNY on June 8, 2023.

Riders get to race the iconic Col du Tourmalet

New York City, June 8, 2023 -This Sunday, the famous pilgrimage town of Lourdes, located in the Southwest of France at the the base of the Pyrenees mountains, will host the second edition of GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet.  The challenging race course is 147.5 km long with an elevation gain of 3952m.  

“Racing in the Pyrenees in general and across the legendary Col du Tourmalet in particular, is one of those once in a lifetime must-do experiences for anyone who loves our sport,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. 

“The Pyrenees feel like the Alps of a bygone time: roads are narrower, traffic is scarce and nature is wild. The tremendous support of the town of Lourdes makes this dream race come true for GFNY riders. But our appreciation also goes to the locals in the mountains who cherish their nature and traditional agriculture and agree to let us pass through. At GFNY, we’re in tune with our hosts: we travel with light support and leave no trace behind.”

Race week activities take place once again at Palais des Congres.  It includes the fun GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet group ride on Friday and Saturday where riders get to do a relaxed ride together with friends and competitors. On Sunday riders will tackle iconic climb Col du Tourmalet (2115m) – the most used by the Tour de France since 1910.

 

Website: lourdes.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 Lourdes Tourmalet 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,

 

How to train for a 3-timer medal

If you’re planning to participate in three GFNY races in a season to get your 3-timr medal, it’s important to schedule a training plan that will help you prepare for each race and ensure that you’re in top condition for each one. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to schedule a training plan across a season with three races.

1. Choose Your GFNYs
The first step in creating a training plan is to choose the three races that you want to participate in. Make sure that they’re spread out evenly across the season to give you enough time to train and recover between races. Consider the distance, terrain, and weather conditions of each race, as they will impact your training plan.
2. Determine Your Base Fitness
Before you start training, it’s important to determine your base fitness level. This will help you to gauge your starting point and create a realistic training plan. You can do this by doing a fitness test or consulting with a GFNY coach.
3. Plan Your Training Phases
To prepare for three GFNY races in a season, you’ll need to plan your training phases accordingly. Typically, a training plan is divided into three phases: base, build, and peak. During the base phase, you’ll focus on building your endurance and developing a strong foundation. During the build phase, you’ll increase your intensity and focus on speed and power. Finally, during the peak phase, you’ll taper your training to ensure that you’re fresh and ready for race day.
4. Allocate Your Training Time
Once you’ve planned your training phases, it’s time to allocate your training time. This will depend on your schedule, fitness level, and goals. Aim to train four to six days a week, with each session lasting between one and four hours. Make sure to include a mix of endurance, strength, and speed training.
5. Schedule Your Recovery Time
Recovery is just as important as training, so make sure to schedule it into your plan. Allow yourself at least one rest day per week, and schedule recovery rides and active rest days to help your body recover from your training sessions.

In conclusion, scheduling a training plan across a season with three GFNY races requires careful planning and consideration. By choosing your races, determining your base fitness, planning your training phases, allocating your training time, and scheduling your recovery time, you’ll be well-prepared for each race and be able to perform at your best. The better you plan and execute, the more rewarding your GFNY year will be.

Elite continues with GFNY

Written by GFNY on June 1, 2023.

Elite’s partnership with GFNY started with Gran Fondo New York 2012 and both parties renewed their commitment yet again

 

NEW YORK CITY, June 1, 2023 – Italy based Elite specializes in the research, development and production of smart trainers, sports bottles, and bottle cages. It’s the number one bike bottle supplier for professional cycling. 

“Our unwavering dedication to developing products that maximize performance and elevate user experience perfectly aligns with GFNY’s mission,” says Peter Lago of Elite.  “We are excited to continue this incredible journey with GFNY, supporting them in delivering extraordinary and impactful cycling events that captivate riders worldwide.”

At the GFNY World Championship NYC, riders expect the best – and get it: the Elite Fly, world’s lightest bike bottle that packs 700ml yet builds like a sleek 500ml bottle is given to all riders during registration and handed roadside during the race. 

“We have a tremendous respect for the work and passion at Elite,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “Partnering with Elite for GFNYs second edition eleven years ago was a personal dream come true. Even more so, having Elite as a partner on GFNY’s side through all these years ever since in a fast changing world, is a huge honor for us. Elite’s products are nothing short of spectacular – and the team is a pleasure to work with.”

 

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 World Championship NYC 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,

 

Belgian and French win GFNY Villard de Lans after 3973m of climbing

Written by GFNY on May 31, 2023.

Vince Mattens and Alison Chavanon prevail on the spectacular 163.4km course

 

New York City, May 31, 2023 – The mountainous Vercors national park hosted the second edition of GFNY Villard de Lans this past Sunday.  The long challenging racecourse was 163.4 km with an elevation gain of 3973 m.

After the neutralized descent from the start in the ski resort, the attacks started as soon as the race was opened. On the first climb up to Col de la Croix Perrin, fifteen riders made the lead group which was racing five minutes ahead of the fastest time table. 

Always active at the front, French rider Loic Ruffaut attacked successfully with Belgian Vince Mattens (Team Kaffee-In) and GFNY Lourdes champion Julien Berard (France) latching on. The pace remains high with the leaders racing 20 minutes ahead of fastest schedule and 10 minutes ahead of a 20 rider chase group. 

Ruffaut and Mattens keep pushing each other and it’s on the final col before the climb up to the ski resort that Mattens is able to open a 10 second gap on Ruffaut – enough to bring the race home. French Sam Maisonobe rounded out the podium. 

In the female race, Alison Chavanon took the win in 5:35:59, 1 minute ahead of GFNY Cannes champion Delphine Reinert.  Laurence Reviglio rounded out the all french podium after the three of them rode much of the day together and attacked each other any chance given.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the second edition of GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet which will take place Sunday, June 11, 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 Villard de Lans 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,

 

2022’s best GFNY course this Sunday

Written by GFNY on May 25, 2023.

GFNY Villard de Lans in the French Vercors National Park was voted best GFNY course by the riders

 

NEW YORK CITY, May 25, 2023 -This Sunday, GFNY Villard de Lans offers riders a challenging 163,4 km race course with an elevation gain of 3973m.  Athletes will tackle a spectacular route in the mountainous Vercors region with the base at an altitude of 1050m.

“The roads of Vercors National Park were created specifically with tourism in mind back in the late 19th century,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “Small, curvy roads hug mountain sides and cliffs with spectacular views. What was meant for early cars back then, is ideal for bike racers today. Once you’ve seen it, you’re not surprised this course was voted GFNY’s best in 2022 against 30 other beauties such as Bali, Cozumel or L’Alpe d’Huez.”

Race week activities take place once again at Le Balcon de Villards, just above Villards de Lans. The town is a sports events expert having hosted two of the three largest sports events in the world, the Olympics and the Tour de France. The course is tough and tackles major climbs, including Col de la Croix Perrin. The final climb to Villard de Lans has been featured several times at the Tour de France. 

 

Website: villarddelans.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 Villard de Lans 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,

 

Italy dominates GFNY World Championship

Written by GFNY on May 23, 2023.

Gaffuri and Doni of Team Solowattaggio take the crown

 

NEW YORK CITY, May 23, 2023 – The new 135 km race course with start on George Washington Bridge in NYC, 2000m of climbing and three sprint primes at Alpine Hill, Gate Hill and Cheesecote assured a fast race with start-to-finish action. 

2022 runner-up Mattia Gaffuri (Solowattaggio/Italy) didn’t hesitate and blew up the field up Alpine and took the first prime. US time trial champ Ben Wolfe cashed in on second and team mate Francesco di Candido third. 

A lead group of thirty formed coming off the first primes but it was the up and coming Mexican pro Miguel Arroyo, double GFNY champion in 2022, who attacked and built a lead of up to a minute through Nyack, Haverstraw and Stony Point.  

Team Solowattaggio kept the pace high in the chase group for captain Gaffuri along Mott Farm Road and through the first inclines of Gate Hill. Gaffuri finished the work of his teammates and chased Arroyo who just about made it to the top of the climb and cash in on the primes. Gaffuri took second, followed by Officine Mattio team mates Aleksander Worsdale (South Africa) and Ricardo Pichetta, the 2017 GFNY World Champion from Italy. 

Gaffuri and Arroyo attacked Cheescote together but the Mexican couldn’t keep up and was dropped in the early 18% steep section of the climb. Gaffuri took the first prime at the top, Arroyo the second and Jaime Vergara (Colombia) led the 15 rider chase group a few seconds back to take the third. 

Gaffuri put the head down and soloed off the front through Pomona, followed by a group of first ten riders which later grew to 17. With the miles ticking by and no real collaboration in the group, Gaffuri’s lead grew to two minutes with 40k to go. By the time he hit Alpine Hill again, this time from the northern side, his win was all but a formality. The chase had given up on the win and seemed to focus on completing the podium – and punching five of the tickets left up for grabs to join the new UCI pro race in 2024 as “Team GFNY”. 

Gaffuri took the solo win in 3:27:32 after training for this moment since the day he finished second here a year ago. The group sprint went to Benjamin Vicente (Team Cyclingwolf/Chile) ahead of Jonathan Jimenez (Team Zipaquira/Colombia). These three will race the all new Gran Premio GFNY New York City pro race on May 19, 2024 alongside fourth place finisher Diego Vazquez (Colombia), fifth Francesco de Candido (Italy) and sixth Luis Lemus (GFNY/Mexico). 

Dutch pro and climbing specialist Kenny Nijssen was seventh followed by Ricardo Pichetta in eighth, Jaime Vergara in ninth and Leon Santamaria (Team 305Cycle/Colombia) in tenth (all same time).  

In the female race, it was a start to finish domination of Italian Chiara Doni, Solowattaggio team mate of Gaffuri. She took the win in 3:43:09, a solid 4 1/2 minutes ahead of her countrywomen Annalisa Prato and defending champ Samantha Arnaudo (both Team Officine Mattio) who crossed the line hand in hand. 

“The new course was appreciated by the front racers and the peloton of age group riders and finishers alike,” said GFNY CEO and race director Uli Fluhme. “For the top riders, it makes the race faster but more racers are able to be competitive. And, while still challenging, it’s a more approachable distance for the finishers.”  

“In 2024, the amateurs get a chance to chase the UCI pros on this very course. It’s going to be amazing to see what the pros can do on this course which doesn’t favor a specialist but really is made for riders who can roll but also kick hard on the relentless hills. I think that “Team GFNY”, the six top finishers from this year, will put on a great show in the pro peloton and demonstrate the level of racers they are. I can’t wait for May 19, 2024!”

Find out everything about the race at nyc.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.

 

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY World Championship NYC 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,

 

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