Natalia del Río and Guilherme Schramm take the win

New York City, September 9, 2026 – The historic city of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uruguay, hosted the sixth edition of GFNY Colonia–Uruguay this past Sunday under sunny but very cold early spring weather conditions. The long course covered 124.9 km and has 894 meters of climbing. But it was the strong and freezing winds that posed the key challenge of the South American season opener.

Guilherme Schramm took the win in 03:27:24, narrowly edging local rider Leandro Ferraz (Team Trek Punta Carretas), while Leonardo Hendler (Brazil) completed the men’s podium.

In the women’s race, Natalia del Río (Argentina) took the win in 03:42:07, a full seven minutes ahead of compatriot Elena Arrigo.  Franca Rinale (Uruguay) rounded out the podium.

Next up on the calendar is the GFNY North America Championship at the  inaugural edition of GFNY Ottawa which will take place on Sunday, September 13, 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 Colonia 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,