Matt Winstead and Fiorella Herrera triumph on challenging course

New York City, October 14, 2026 –  GFNY Pérez Zeledón marked the return of GFNY racing to Costa Rica this past Sunday. National and international cyclists tackled a demanding 115.4 km course featuring 1,903 meters of climbing through the scenic landscapes of southern Costa Rica.

The men’s race saw attacks from the opening kilometers, with Josué Picado launching an ambitious solo breakaway that lasted more than 70 km. His effort finally came to an end in the Miraflores section, where a chasing group featuring Leandro Vega, Kendall Vega, Jefferson Mora and American Matt Winstead caught him.

With just a few kilometers remaining, Winstead made the decisive move. The American attacked and opened a gap, which he maintained all the way to the finish to claim victory in 3:13:47. Mateo Corrales and Leandro Vega completed the podium, both finishing less than a minute behind the winner.

In the women’s race, Costa Rica’s Fiorella Herrera delivered a dominant solo performance. She attacked with approximately 30–40 km remaining and rode alone to the finish, taking the win in 3:37:23.

Herrera crossed the line seven minutes ahead of runner-up Fátima García, while Gloriana Alfaro completed the all-Costa Rican podium, finishing 23 minutes behind the winner.

The race marked a new chapter for GFNY in Costa Rica after a two-year break, with Pérez Zeledón welcoming the event for the first time. Supported by local tourism partners, the event also featured a live broadcast, showcasing the racing and the region’s landscapes to audiences beyond Costa Rica.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the third edition of GFNY Bahamas which will take place on October 18, 2026.

About GFNY

GFNY is an international cycling organization that designs, owns, and operates a structured system of races worldwide. Its competitive hierarchy connects GFNY races with National and Continental Championships, culminating in the GFNY World Championship in New York City. This progression is known as the GFNY Road to NYC.

GFNY events feature fully timed racing with age-group competition and are open to a wide range of riders, combining competitive structure with accessible participation. GFNY operates its own integrated registration, results, and ranking system, maintaining direct relationships with participants across all events. While road cycling is its foundation, GFNY also operates select events in gravel, mountain bike, and running within the same competitive framework.

Website: gfny.com

About the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City

The Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City is GFNY’s flagship event and the final stage of the GFNY Course to NYC. Held annually on a challenging road course in and around New York City, it brings together riders from more than 90 countries.

Website: nyc.gfny.com

GFNY Pro Series

The GFNY Pro Series is GFNY’s professional racing platform, built around an integrated Pro–Am format in which UCI-sanctioned professional races are held on the same courses and weekends as GFNY mass-participation events. The format was pioneered at Gran Premio New York City and is expanding selectively to additional locations.

Website: gp.gfny.com

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Perez Zeledón 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,