GFNY Alpes Vaujany – une course épique que vous n’oublierez jamais

GFNY Alpes Vaujany – an epic race you’ll never forget

Rain, cold, corona, a shortened course and an organisation that nevertheless went all out to please the few participants. These are the ingredients of the first edition of the GFNY Alpes Vaujany. It’s an adventure that I have added to the list of most epic rides ever.

 

 

First edition

The GFNY Alpes Vaujany sees the light of day this year. Not to be confused with La Vaujany of Cycling Classics France, the gran fondo that is usually organised a week before the Marmotte Granfondo Alps. “Yes, but surely this gran fondo will also be held a week before the Marmotte,” you might say. That’s true, but that’s just coincidence. Because this year the Marmotte has been postponed to the first week of September, it’s scheduled exactly one week after ‘the new Vaujany’.

The route mouth watering: the Col de la Croix de Fer, descend to the Maurienne valley and then back through the heavier side of the Col du Glandon. Finally, the final climb follows to the winter sports village of Vaujany. Legendary names in an enchanting setting. 117 kilometres and 4000 meters of elevation.

As one of the few gran fondos this year, the organisation of the GFNY Alpes Vaujany has managed to ensure their event actually takes place. The COVID measures had already been approved at an early stage by the French authorities. In February there were some 420 registrations, but with the arrival of corona that number stagnated. Promotions, e.g. from the Cyclocalendar, hardly helped. To make matters worse, horrible weather was predicted. Enough for the last people in doubt to throw in the towel. In the end, only 180 of them picked up their starting number.

 

Sunday

In the early morning it is actually dry. I can’t believe it. Well, no. The first drops come down at about half past nine. Beforehand I having doubts about my clothes. I decide on an undershirt, cycling jersey, arm warmers, knee warmers and a wind stopper. The GFNY buff from the goodie bag is a welcome addition against the cold. My rain jacket goes into the back pocket for the descent. I had hoped for some light splashes at the start, but it’s raining seriously. I decide to put on my rain jacket over my wind stopper. The price of the best-dressed rider will pass me by this day. Cyclocalendar has been invited by the organisation and so I am allowed to start at the front of the VIP compartment.

At 10 o’clock we’re shot away and the first 5 kilometres from Vaujany to the foot of the col is a neutralised descent. Under dry conditions this already makes perfect sense and now completely. Everything is disciplined and calm. Many riders ride with an ass saver and I hate myself for not buying one. I have fitted my bike with new brake pads, but I get the feeling that these are already half worn. Splashing water from my predecessors, rain and many bends make it uncomfortable. Luckily everyone comes down in one piece.

The climb to the Col de la Croix de Fer starts right away. Lovely, the rain has stopped bothering me right away. Riding is fine now, because there is a lot of oxygen in the air. This corona year I have trained much less than other years and I am about 3 kilo heavier than normal. I don’t imagine much of an achievement. I assume that my fellow riders are mainly the more fanatical cyclists, so I will be overtaken a lot. That happens, but in the end I find a group of people with my qualities.

Until Rivier d’Allemond it’s tough climbing as the water flows down the road. I take the steep descent after the village with caution. Then the steep part follows until the Barrage de Grand’Maison. I’ve only just passed the reservoir or I already see the lonely leader arriving in the opposite direction: the Italian Vincenzo Pisani. How is that possible, I think to myself. After many minutes, the next group of Belgians Frederic Glorieux and Michiel Minnaert (Marmotte winner in 2018), among others, comes along. And I still have kilometres to go to the col. I just keep on riding and hope in vain that the rain will stop. On the summit, the organisation distributes green rain capes. They’ve done their upmost to ensure the safety of the participants. The whole climb I haven’t been cold or warm. My choice of apparel seems to be the right one.

Now I turn around and plunge into the descent. However, plunging is not really the case. For the first few kilometres, I whizz along the Glandon over the straights on my way to the dam. The road is wet, but clear. I feel the cold along my uncovered calves and am happy with my overkill of clothing. After the dam it is different. Here it goes steeply down and the hairpin bends make the descent tricky. I love fast descents, but today I especially feel the urge to return home safely. Like an old lady, I go down and still catch up with several people. It’s very slippery; in one of the hairpin bends I have to apply the brakes. Oops, that was close. The short, steep intermediate climb is a welcome change. Don’t squeeze the brakes, just warm up again. Then it goes down quickly. The road is a bit straight here, when it is dry you can let go of the brakes here. Not today; just like an hour and a half ago the water gushes down. I am taking it easy.

It’s not long before the climb to Vaujany appears. Supplies at the foot would be welcome if the normal distance had been covered. Now everyone is driving past it. I’m going up with a group that is pretty equal. The sun is actually breaking through, while it is still drizzling. I actually get warm and unzip my clothes. It is a difficult climb of about 5 kilometres. Just steep uphill and nowhere to rest. Luckily I can still keep going reasonably well. The last kilometre takes me through some narrow streets and after 3:22 I cross the finish line. Not even hammered, the race was too short for that. However: “This was a race I’ll never forget”.

Results

1. Vicenzo Pisani (Ita)     2:06:25

2. Michiel Minnaert (Bel)     2:10:56

3. Frederic Glorieux (Bel)     2:10:59

Find here all results.

What is GFNY?

GFNY is the American company of Uli and Lidia Fluhme and stands for Gran Fondo New York. In 2011 they organised the gran fondo in The Big Apple for the first time. From 2014 GFNY grew to a World Tour. Meanwhile 20 gran fondos are part of this circuit. Each cycle the best participants in each category qualify for the grand final in New York. Participants are obliged to ride in the poison green with a black GFNY shirt.

It is one of the largest and most experienced organisers in the gran fondo realm. That also proved to be the case during the weekend. In the preparation everything was done to make the event actually take place. The speed and flexibility with which it responded to the difficult circumstances was admirable. As was the eye for the safety of the participants. Everything was taken care of down to the smallest detail. There are even signs on the roads that are not part of the route: Wrong way, turn around. You can tell by everything that they have already organised more than 70 gran fondo’s. BE A PRO FOR A DAY is exactly the right slogan.

Want to know more about GFNY and the World Tour? Read everything here.

Read the story on Cyclekalender

Next week we will be revealing the theme for the GFNY 2021-2022 season. Brand new designs, brand new fabrics, brand new cuts. The most innovative apparel that we’ve ever created. We’re excited to share it with you!

GFNY Cozumel is CONFIRMED. The state of Quintana Roo has approved GFNY Cozumel to take place on November 8th, 2020.

GFNY Cozumel is taking a number of precautions to keep GFNY riders, staff and volunteers safe. Measures include social distancing, modifying aspects of the race to prevent congregations of people and avoiding contamination from surfaces.

REGISTRATION / PACKET PICKUP

In order to enter this years expo and race packet pick up area you will need to make are reservation by visiting this link gfny.cc where you will be able to choose an appropriate day and time for your convenience. This year all participants will have there waivers emailed to them which you will need to print, sign and bring to the race packet pick up area. For this year you are only permitted to bring one friend or family member inside the expo area since there will be a max capacity limit. Please make sure to arrive no more than 10 minutes before your reservation time.

Upon your arrival to the GFNY Cozumel expo area our staff will implement a few sanitary measures which will include temperature checks, disinfection of clothing and feet and use of antibacterial gel. The use of face masks is mandatory in order to enter the expo area and must be worn at all times. Please also make sure to respect all social distancing requirements. We ask that everyone helps us to complete these new sanitary protocols for everyone’s safety.

RACE PACKET PICKUP

All participants will be able to scan with their phone a special QR code where you will be able to find your participant bib number. The QR codes will be placed outside and inside the expo area to help avoid any contact points.

Once you have arrived inside the main packet pickup area you will notice an amplified space with more lines while you wait to pick up your race number and goodie bag. Please make sure to respect all social distancing regulations which will be clearly marked. Our staff will have complete sanitary gear including face masks, visors and gloves in order to hand you your race packet in a sanitary fashion. For this year all goodie bags will include a GFNY pen which you can use for signing additional documentation and our famous sign-in wall.

As always the GFNY Cozumel magazine will be emailed to all participants before the race and we will also include QR codes for everyone to be able to download them at the expo area as well.

Please consider that all of these new sanitary protocols are to avoid gatherings of large crowds and for safe social distancing. Everyone will have a max time limit inside oft he expo area so that everyone will have ample time to enjoy the experience while inside.

RACE DAY

STARTING CORRALS

 The big day has finally arrived! To guarantee the safety of all our participants we have established special sanitary filters before being permitted inside your starting corrals. Count on amplified space inside your staring corrals as well as all access points for safe social distancing. In order to access the starting corrals our GFNY volunteers will monitor that all protocols are completed. Please make sure to have the official 2020 GFNY jerseys, race numbers, bracelet and your face mask.

Once you have been granted access inside the starting corrals please find your correct corral which will be the color of your bracelet. Make sure to stand at a safe social distance while waiting inside your corral and keep your face mask on until the race starts. Once the race starts you may remove your face mask but please storage it in your rear jersey pocket since you will need it to enter any of our aid stations or finish area after the race.For this year there will not be any baggage storage so please make arrangements or bring only the bare necessities for your race.

AID STATIONS

Take a breath! We know that racing is very demanding on your body which is why we want you to focus on the race. For the tranquility of all our participants all our aid stations will include all
the sanitary and safety measures such as mandatory use of face masks and safe social distancing.

All aid stations will be amplified with multiple access lines and a one-way traffic flow. All pre-packaged food will be placed on our expanded tables which you will be able to grab and go.

Each service point will contain all available food and hydration options to reduce need to move locations or come in close proximity with another rider.

All food items will be single-packed for hygiene. Cups will be pre-filled. Filling of bottles will be done by the aid station team pouring into the rider’s bottle to avoid surface contamination.

Our GFNY staff will be in-charge of refilling all the food on the tables according to our new sanitary protocols. Tables, bathrooms and all touch points will be regularly disinfected by our cleaning crews as well.

We also invite all participants to bring there own food and drinks this year which will also help you to have a faster finishing time.

PORTABLE TOILETS

Portable toilets will be set up in a one-way flow with an entry and exit path. Hand sanitizer will be available

AFTER THE FINISH

Congratulations! You’ve crossed the finish line. Once you have finished your race our volunteers will hand you your finisher medal make sure you’re wearing your face mask and will then guide you to our amplified recovery area with more access points and expanded tables for safe social distancing. You will be able to grab your recovery food and drinks while our volunteers restock all tables according to sanitary protocols. Just like every year you can count on our medical team ready on standby should any emergency arise.

Our pasta area this year will be expanded even more including more tables, chairs and space for everyone. To keep this area controlled we ask that everyone keeps tables and chairs in their current locations for safe social distancing. Your pasta meal will come fresh out of the kitchen and will be given out in a pre-packaged style.

Please remember that the use of face masks and safe social distancing is required at all times while inside the finish area.

GFNY is taking care of every detail to protect you and make sure you have a fun and safe time. Please help us to keep our race safe by completing all the sanitary protocols that we have
implemented to guarantee everyone’s health.

We look forward to racing with you at GFNY Cozumel 2020, BE A PRO FOR A DAY!

The New 2021 GFNY Race Gear

Bib shorts Race 2021

Specifically developed for GFNY: race ready but with long distance comfort.

New style: slightly longer cuffs.

Features:

• anatomical fit
• four needle flat stitchings
• GFNY silicone elastic band at cuffs
• pad: 2.6 / 120 tiger black
• variety of fabrics for perfect fit
• weight 210 gr/sm

GFNY Florida Sebring está CONFIRMADO. La Ciudad de Sebring aprobó que GFNY Florida Sebring se lleve a cabo el 25 de octubre de 2020 y GFNY Kids Florida Sebring el 24 de octubre de 2020.

GFNY Florida Sebring está tomando una serie de precauciones para mantener seguros a los corredores, el personal y los voluntarios de GFNY. Las medidas incluyen el distanciamiento social, modificar aspectos de la carrera para evitar congregaciones de personas y evitar la contaminación de las superficies.

REGISTRO / RECOGIDA DE PAQUETES

El registro y la recogida de paquetes se realizarán mediante un método de flujo unidireccional.

Los corredores que se unen a la línea para acceder a la recolección de paquetes deben mantener una distancia de al menos 3 pies con la siguiente persona.

GFNY está eliminando varios pasos del registro y haciendo un puesto de inscripción para el proceso de inscripción completa para cada corredor, que incluye para el corredor: proporcionar un documento de exención firmada, recoger el paquete de la carrera, la camiseta y la bolsa de regalos. Todos los pasos de registro se realizarán consecutivamente en un puesto de registro para evitar la congestión y la movilidad, para garantizar una distancia adecuada entre los corredores.

GFNY contará con un stand con mercadería, que también operará en el mismo método de flujo unidireccional que la recolección de paquetes. Recomendamos a los corredores que hagan pedidos en línea en shop.gfny.com, que se pueden recoger mostrando una identificación con foto y un recibo de compra.

Varios proveedores de la industria de bicicletas mostrarán sus productos y servicios en la exposición. Para evitar congregaciones de personas, la exposición se llevará a cabo con un método de flujo unidireccional similar, inmediatamente después del paso de registro.

El desinfectante de manos estará disponible antes y después de la recolección del paquete. El personal requiere mascarillas.

AREA DE INICIO

Los corrales de salida se extienden para el distanciamiento social y cada corral tiene un número menor de corredores asignados.

Carrera de adultos 25/10 (los corrales de salida están marcados con doble línea verde):

Carrera de niños 24/10 (área de preparación marcada en amarillo):

ESTACIONES DE AYUDA

Los avituallamientos están diseñados para garantizar la distancia entre los corredores y un método de flujo unidireccional.

Cada puesto de ayuda tendrá una línea de espera donde los corredores deben mantener una distancia de al menos 1 metro hasta el siguiente corredor. Habrá puntos de servicio designados. El miembro del equipo de la estación de ayuda llamará al siguiente corredor de la fila al punto de servicio abierto.

Cada punto de servicio contendrá todas las opciones de alimentos e hidratación disponibles para reducir la necesidad de mudarse de lugar o acercarse a otro corredor.

Todos los alimentos se envasarán de forma individual por motivos de higiene. Las tazas estarán precargadas. El rellenar de las botellas lo realizará el equipo de la estación de ayuda vertiendo en la botella del ciclista para evitar la contaminación de la superficie.

SIN ASISTENCIA

Si bien es una regla general que los corredores de GFNY no pueden aceptar asistencia externa, en este momento los corredores de GFNY Florida tampoco pueden intercambiar materiales entre los participantes.

INODOROS PORTÁTILES

Los baños portátiles se instalarán en un flujo unidireccional con un camino de entrada y salida. Habrá desinfectante de manos disponible.

DESPUÉS DE LA LLEGADA

La llegada se configura en un método de flujo unidireccional. Después de que un corredor cruce la línea de meta, el corredor caminará con su bicicleta y respetará una distancia mínima de 3 pies con la siguiente persona. Esto se hace para evitar congregaciones de personas.

Lamentablemente, las medallas no se colgarán del cuello, se repartirán.

Los corredores que se unen a la línea de agua y las fotos del finalist deben mantener una distancia de al menos 3 pies con el siguiente corredor.

En el área de comida posterior a la carrera, no habrá estacionamiento para bicicletas disponible para evitar la contaminación de la superficie y las congregaciones de personas. Habrá  estacionamiento para bicicletas disponibles para el aparcamiento. No está permitido dejar las bicicletas desatendidas o dejarlas en el suelo, lo que supone un peligro para la seguridad.

GFNY Florida Sebring is CONFIRMED. The City of Sebring approved GFNY Florida Sebring to take place on October 25, 2020 and GFNY Kids Florida Sebring to take place on October 24, 2020.

GFNY Florida Sebring is taking a number of precautions to keep GFNY riders, staff and volunteers safe. Measures include social distancing, modifying aspects of the race to prevent congregations of people and avoiding contamination from surfaces.

REGISTRATION / PACKET PICKUP

Registration and Packet pickup will be conducted in a one-way flow method.

Riders joining the line to access packet pickup are required to uphold at least 3ft distance to the next person.

GFNY is eliminating multiple steps from registration and making one check-in stand for the complete check-in process for each rider, which includes for the rider: providing a signed waiver, picking up the race packet, jersey and goodie bag. All the registration steps will be done consecutively at one registration stand to avoid congestion and mobility, to ensure adequate distance between riders.

GFNY will have a stand with merchandise, which will also operate in the same one-way flow method as the packet pickup. We encourage riders to make online orders at shop.gfny.com, which can be picked up with showing photo ID and purchase receipt.

Several bike industry vendors will be showcasing their products and services at the expo. To avoid congregations of people, the expo will be held in a similar one-way flow method, immediately following the registration step.

Hand sanitizer will be available before and after the packet pickup. Facemasks are required for staff.

START AREA

Start corrals are extended for social distancing and each corral has a smaller number of riders allocated to it.

Adults race 10/25 (start corrals are marked with double green line):

Kids race 10/24 (staging area marked in yellow):

AID STATIONS

The aid stations are designed to ensure distancing among riders and a one-way flow method.

Each aid station will have a waiting line where riders are required to uphold at least 1 meter distance to the next rider. There will be designated service points. The aid station team member will call the next rider in line to the open service point.

Each service point will contain all available food and hydration options to reduce need to move locations or come in close proximity with another rider.

All food items will be single-packed for hygiene. Cups will be pre-filled. Filling of bottles will be done by the aid station team pouring into the rider’s bottle to avoid surface contamination.

NO ASSISTANCE

While it is a general rule that GFNY riders cannot accept outside assistance, at this time GFNY Florida riders also are not permitted to exchange materials between participants either.

PORTABLE TOILETS

Portable toilets will be set up in a one-way flow with an entry and exit path. Hand sanitizer will be available.

AFTER THE FINISH

The finish is set up in a one-way flow method. After a rider crosses the finish line, the rider will walk their bike and respect a minimum 3ft distance to the next person. This is done to avoid congregations of people.

Medals unfortunately will not be hung around the neck, they will be handed out.

Riders joining the line for water and Finisher Photos are required to uphold at least 3ft distance to the next rider.

At the post-race meal area, there will not be bike parking available to avoid surface contamination and congregations of people. There will be bike racks available for self-parking. It is not permitted to leave bikes unattended or lay bikes on the ground, which causes a safety hazard.