Slabinck and Burmeister crowned GFNY Europe Championship

New York City, September 2, 2025 – Last Sunday, over 1,500 cyclists from 32 countries lined up for the first edition of GFNY Bremen, the newest addition to the GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series. Riders raced on a flat and fast 112.7 km course, battling not only for victory but also for the prestigious GFNY Europe Championship title.

After the opening five neutralized kilometers through Bremen, the race started fast and quickly a seventy rider lead group formed. Despite several attacks, a peloton of fifty riders went into the second loop. During a cobbled section with a slight incline, Indiana Slabinck, Seppe Joos (both Belgium), Teun Van Der Heide (Netherlands) and GFNY Champion Ann Arbor 2022 and GFNY York Pennsylvania 2024 Ben Gorodetsky (USA) attacked and got away. German GCN duo and former pros Patrick Haller and Laurin Winter sensed the danger and bridged to the front.

In the sprint, Slabinck edged out Haller by a tire’s width. Van Der Heide completed the podium in third behind.

On the women’s side, Carmen Burmeister (Germany, Team ELEMENT H-14) delivered a commanding performance on home soil. She stormed to victory in 2:34:16, crossing the line with a remarkable six-minute advantage over Linda Kuiper (Netherlands). The battle for third came down to a tight sprint, with Melina Tietgen (Germany) securing the final podium spot.

Next up on the GFNY World calendar is the inaugural edition of Michelob Ultra GFNY Pittsburgh-Monroeville taking place Sunday, September 21, 2025.

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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Bremen 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,

1500 riders will tackle the GFNY Europe Championship in the Northern German city

New York City, August 28, 2025 – This Sunday, 1500 cyclists from across the globe will converge in Northern Germany to take on the first edition of GFNY Bremen, the latest addition to the GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series. Riders will face a mostly flat and fast 112.7 km course, racing for the GFNY Europe Championship. 

Located just over an hour from Hamburg and a little more than two hours from the Netherlands, the historic Hanseatic city of Bremen (600,000 inhabitants) offers the perfect setting for an international cycling challenge, combining historic charm with ideal race conditions. It is known for its medieval architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s UNESCO-listed Town Hall and Roland statue symbolize its long-standing independence and civic pride. As a hub for innovation and industry, Bremen blends old-world charm with modern economic dynamism, particularly in aerospace and logistics.

“Being German born and raised, I’m particularly excited to finally have a GFNY again in Germany,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “The support GFNY is receiving in Bremen is tremendous and will make sure that riders get to have a spectacular experience.”

Race festivities kick off on Friday at the Tabakquartier Bremen, the central hub for all pre-race activities including the GFNY Expo and social events. Highlights of the weekend include the GFNY Bremen Group Rides on Friday and Saturday, offering riders a relaxed warm-up ahead of race day. A Friday Happy Hour at 5pm will bring participants together to connect, unwind, and celebrate before the competition begins.

Website: bremen.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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Bremen 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,

Legendary Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon and Vaujany defined the sixth edition

New York City, August 27, 2025 – The sixth edition of GFNY Alpes Vaujany took riders deep into the heart of the French Alps this past weekend, challenging them with a 119.7 km course featuring 4024 meters of climbing over some of cycling’s most iconic passes, including the Col de la Croix de Fer and Col du Glandon.

In the men’s race, Luca Cavallo (Italy, Team OM.CC) delivered a powerful performance. The fourth place finisher at this year’s GFNY World Championship NYC as well as GFNY Cannes, crossed the finish line first in 4:03:24. He was followed by Benjamin Buchetet (France) in second place and multi-time GFNY champion Tim Alleman (Belgium) in third, rounding out a highly competitive podium.

On the women’s side, Mathilde Fournier (Alpescycling Team) dominated the field with a winning time of 4:59:46, finishing an impressive 13 minutes ahead of last year’s runner-up Manon Revil (France). Iride Bertone (Italy) secured third place, completing a strong international podium.

GFNY Alpes Vaujany once again delivered an unforgettable day of racing, with athletes from around the world testing their endurance on one of the toughest courses in the GFNY World Championship Series.

Next up on the GFNY World calendar is the inaugural edition of GFNY Bremen, taking place Sunday, August 31, 2025, promising another exciting day of racing in Northern Germany.

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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Alpes 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,

Season finale of GFNY France features 4000+ meters of climbing, including Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon, and the ascent to Vaujany

New York City, August 21, 2025 – This Sunday, riders from around the world will take on the demanding challenge of GFNY Alpes Vaujany, featuring a 119.7 km course with a staggering 4024 meters of climbing. The race includes two of the most legendary Alpine passes—Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067m) and Col du Glandon (1,924m). And it culminates in a spectacular mountain-top finish in the picturesque Vaujany which has become “GFNY Village”. Already more than ten GFNYs have been held there in the last five years. It’s thanks to Vaujany that thousands of riders have been able to live their cycling dream events.

Once again, Vaujany’s “Place de la Fare” serves as the hub of race week activities, offering a festive atmosphere for riders and spectators alike.  GFNY riders, GFNY Club members, and VIP ticket holders will enjoy the now-traditional group rides on Friday and Saturday, a relaxed and social opportunity to spin through the Alpine surroundings before Sunday’s serious challenge.

“Racing on a spectacular course across legendary cols is a highlight in any cyclist’s life,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “It starts with the preparation and it culminates with race day where each rider faces their unique challenges. Race day will create memories that last for a lifetime. Few endeavors can shape and grow us as much as a challenge like this does.”

Website: vaujany.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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Alpes 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 will hold group rides around the world

New York City, August 14, 2025 – GFNY Day is an annual global celebration of GFNY and sport which will take place this Sunday August 17, 2025.  GFNY invites all athletes to put on their GFNY gear to ride with their teams, clubs, groups or alone.

More than 40 official GFNY Day Group Rides will be held in cities and regions around the world, including the USA, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Poland, Thailand, the Philippines, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and the Bahamas.

“GFNY Day is our chance to bring the entire GFNY community together, no matter where they are in the world. It’s about the joy of the ride and the connections we build along the way”, says GFNY Community Manager, Matthias Van Aken.  “On GFNY Day, the riders are part of something bigger: a global celebration of cycling where we share GFNY experiences, inspire each other, and create memories that connect us. It’s an honor to help make this day possible and to witness the power of our community come to life”.

Mark your calendar for GFNY Day 2025 and register for free here

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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

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,

Cassoulet and Manfredi win after 4,461 meters of climbing

New York City, July 30, 2025 – This past Sunday, the alpine village of Orcières Merlette hosted GFNY France-Orcières, where riders tackled a grueling 158 km course with a staggering 4,461 meters of elevation gain.

In a thrilling sprint finish, Paul Cassoulet claimed the overall victory in 5:03:06, edging out 2023 GFNY La Vaujany runner up champion Alexandre Banegas and legendary GFNY multi-time podium finisher Julien Bérard, who completed the all-French podium.

In the women’s race, Italy’s Mara Manfredi delivered a commanding performance, securing the win in 6:18:17. She finished 16 minutes ahead of Mallorie Mazzilli (France), who recently took third at GFNY La Vaujany 2025, and Marine Crampe, who rounded out the podium.

Orcières‑Merlette 1850 is a high-altitude ski resort in the Southern French Alps (Hautes‑Alpes), offering over 100 km of ski runs from 1,850 m up to 2,725 m, with a diverse mix of pistes for beginners to advanced levels and Europe’s longest zip line (1,870 m).  

In summer, Orcières‑Merlette transforms into a vibrant high‑altitude playground, with three lifts whisking visitors up to 2,650 m for mountain‑bike descents, the “Monde des 6 Lacs” alpine lake hike, paragliding, via‑ferrata adventures – and one of the most spectacular GFNY races.

Next up on the GFNY World Series calendar is the 6th annual GFNY Alpes Vaujany Croix de Fer, scheduled for August 24, 2025.

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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Orcières 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,

A feast for climbers in one of Europe’s sunniest regions

New York City, July 24, 2025 – This Sunday, the alpine village of Orcières Merlette will host GFNY Orcières which offers riders a 158 km long course with a whopping 4,461 meters of elevation gain. 

Nestled in the stunning Champsaur Valley in the French Hautes-Alpes, Orcières Merlette sits at an altitude of 1,850 meters, with nearby slopes reaching up to 2,725 meters. The host town boasts a rich cycling history, having welcomed five Tour stage finishes, the first in 1971 with a victory by Spanish cycling legend Luis Ocaña. The most recent Tour arrival took place in 2020, reinforcing Orcières’ legacy as a premier destination for mountain cycling.

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with my bike to race and ride in many great places,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “And hands down the Haute Alpes region is in my personal top three of most spectacular places to ride. Orcières sits in the middle of an area boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, is surrounded by snow covered peaks with glaciers and oozes cycling history every step of the way, wherever you ride. A week (or three) of vacation combined with racing GFNY Orciéres is what a cycling fanatic’s dreams are made of.”

Race week festivities will take place at Place du Drapeaux, serving as the hub of all GFNY Orcières activities. Highlights include the fun and scenic GFNY Orcières group rides on Friday and Saturday, exclusively for GFNY Club and Camp members. Additionally, the weekend will kick off with a lively opening concert and aperitif on Friday evening at the Bowling du Palais des Sports de la Grande Ourse.

Website: orcieres.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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Orcières 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,

Lisa Stein and Frederic Glorieux take victory at the fourth edition of the iconic French race

New York City, July 23, 2025 – The fourth edition of GFNY Grand Ballon took place last Sunday in the Alsace region, with a record participation of over 1600 cyclists. Racers tackled the 146.8 km long course with 4043m of climbing across the Vosges mountains in one of the most beautiful destinations in France. 

2023 champion Frederic Glorieux (Belgium) once again proved his strength by taking the overall win in a time of 4:31:07, riding for the GF Cycling Club. He was followed closely by Marco Peluso (Italy) of Fratelli Racing Team and Belgium’s Simon Grégoire, who crossed the finish line just fractions of a second later in, securing the final spot on the overall men’s podium in the race host town Thann.

In the women’s race, Lisa Stein of Germany delivered a dominant performance, finishing in 5:14:01, nearly nine minutes ahead of Laury Milette (Canada) and fellow German Lisa Hartung, who completed the podium.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is GFNY Orcières, also in France but this time in the Alps, which will take place July 27, 2025.

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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Grand Ballon 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,

Riders to conquer 4000m of climbing in the fourth edition

New York City, July 17, 2025 – This Sunday, over 1,500 cyclists from around the world will take on the challenging 146 km course of GFNY Grand Ballon, featuring a demanding 4,043 meters of elevation gain.

The race begins in the historic town center of Thann, with the climbing starting almost immediately—just 1 km into the race—with the little-known Le Plan Diebold, which then connects to the legendary Grand Ballon, the highest point in the Vosges Mountains. The road ascends to 1,325 meters, winding through the heart of the breathtaking Ballons des Vosges Nature Park, a region renowned for its climbs featured in the Tour de France.

Host town Thann, located at the gateway to the Alsace Wine Route, will serve as both the start and finish line for the race. Nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, Thann is famed for its exceptional vineyards and offers a striking variety of terrain—from rolling flats to steep ascents—making it an ideal location for cycling enthusiasts.

“The GFNYs in France offer riders spectacular courses across legendary climbs such as L’Alpe d’Huez, Col du Tourmalet or Col de la Croix de Fer. And GFNY Grand Ballon with its namesake mountain is no exception,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “Aside from the strong French contingent, the race draws lots of cycling fanatic Dutch and Belgians for whom the Vosges are the closest real mountains to race on. And not the least thanks to the new GFNY Bremen in August, more and more Germans from across the Rhine river discover the GFNY Grand Ballon.”   

Race week activities will take place at Place Joffre in Thann, where riders can pick up their race packets, take photos with fellow competitors, and sign the iconic GFNY sign-in board—a signature part of the BE A PRO FOR A DAY® experience.

Website: grandballon.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.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races 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 event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Grand Ballon 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,