GFNY Alps Vaujany is an exciting cycling event that takes place in the breathtaking region of the French Alps. It is a challenging and prestigious race that attracts both amateur and professional cyclists from around the world. The event is part of the GFNY (Gran Fondo New York) Global Series, known for its high-quality and well-organized races.
The race is set in the picturesque village of Vaujany, located in the heart of the Alps. Vaujany offers a stunning backdrop of towering mountains, lush green valleys, and picturesque alpine scenery, making it a perfect setting for an epic cycling challenge. There are two course options. The long course, with close to 4000 meters of climbing over 118 km, the GFNY Alpes Vaujany long route is a test of your legs and your willpower. The race starts with a controlled 5km descent from the mountain town of Vaujany. After the quick descent, the first challenge of the day begins the 25-km climb up Col de la Croix de Fer, first through the forest, then past Lac de Grand’Maison, then to its breathtaking top at 2,067 meters. After descending on the other side, and flat 10k in the Maurienne valley, you’ll climb Col du Glandon. After the descent off Glandon, you will face the final challenge of the day: the climb back to Vaujany and your finish line celebration.
LONG COURSE IS A COMPETITION: Only the finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course. The top 10% of finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.
The GFNY Alpes Vaujany medium route seems easy on paper, with its only 43km. But don’t be fooled; the 1800m of climbing is at times steep, and while you will enjoy 20km of descending, the other 20km of climbing will be a challenge. After the initial neutralized descent from Vaujany (altitude 1245m), you will get right into the La Croix de la Fer climb, and from the start, it will test you. The first 8km are on a steady, straight road that averages 8%, with a max incline of 14%. After a brief breather through the village of Rivier D’Allemont, there is a short descent that leads into the final 8km of climbing. Expect a brief pitch of over 20% before the road settles back to a more moderate 8% average. Some sections of 2-3% will give you a small rest before reaching the turn-around point and aid station at the beautiful Lac de Grand’Maison (altitude 1743m). After the 16km descent back down to the valley (altitude 795m), you still have the final ascent back up to Vaujany to tackle. It’s steady and has some nice switchbacks, but at an average of 8.6%, you will definitely be earning your finish line glory in Vaujany.
MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.
The race follows a mass-start format, creating a thrilling atmosphere as cyclists set off together to conquer the course. Riders navigate through scenic mountain roads, battling both the physical demands and the strategic aspects of the race. Along the route, riders will encounter aid stations where they can refuel and hydrate, ensuring they maintain their energy levels throughout the race.
GFNY Alps Vaujany is not only a competitive race but also a celebration of cycling and camaraderie. Participants from various countries and backgrounds come together to share their passion for the sport and create lasting memories. The event fosters a sense of community and support among participants, with riders encouraging and motivating each other to push their limits and achieve their personal best.
At the finish line, riders are greeted with cheers and applause, recognizing their accomplishment. The event concludes with a festive atmosphere, where participants can relax, socialize, and celebrate their achievements. Podium ceremonies are held to honor the top finishers, adding an element of competition and recognition to the event.
GFNY Alps Vaujany provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience the beauty of the French Alps while testing your cycling abilities in a challenging and rewarding race. It combines the thrill of competition, the joy of cycling, and the awe-inspiring natural scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.
If you are looking to turn the event into a cycling vacation, Vaujany is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly cyclists. As a home base for a cycling vacation, Vaujany offers numerous opportunities for both road cycling and mountain biking. The region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, challenging mountain passes, and well-maintained cycling routes, making it an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels.
For road cyclists, Vaujany provides access to legendary mountain climbs in the vicinity, including the iconic Alpe d’Huez, and Col du Galibier, in addition to the climbs you will face in the event. All the local routes are commonly featured in world pro cycling events like the Tour de France, attracting cycling enthusiasts from around the world. The roads are well-marked and offer breathtaking scenery, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Alps.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will also find plenty of options in Vaujany. The region boasts an extensive network of trails catering to various skill levels, from gentle forest paths to adrenaline-pumping downhill descents. The Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine VTT is a popular mountain biking area, offering over 250 kilometers of marked trails, bike parks, and lift-accessed routes.
Beyond cycling, Vaujany provides a range of amenities and services to enhance your vacation. The village itself offers a charming atmosphere with traditional Alpine architecture, cozy accommodations, and local restaurants serving delicious French cuisine. You’ll also find bike rental shops, repair services, and experienced guides to help you make the most of your cycling adventures. Moreover, the region’s natural beauty offers opportunities for other outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and paragliding, allowing you to diversify your vacation experiences.
In summary, Vaujany in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is a fantastic choice as a home base for a cycling vacation. With its stunning landscapes, legendary mountain passes, well-maintained cycling routes, and a range of amenities, Vaujany provides an ideal setting for cyclists to explore the Alps and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
GFNY events are personal endurance challenges where you compete against others, the clock, and yourself. GFNY Global Series events provide you with that same challenge in 30+ locations worldwide. Additionally, you can qualify for a front corral start at the GFNY World Championship every May in NYC. For every event, each athlete has a timing chip, which starts right after you cross the start line and stops when you cross the finish line. Timing results for all riders will be provided at the finish area on race day and online after the race. Only the finishers of the events-long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall Podium awards. You must complete the long course to race and be ranked in your category. The top 10% of finishers in each age group qualify for the Racer Corral at every GFNY World event. All GFNY events have the bonus of closed roads and police-moderated traffic that ensures added safety, and you don’t have to stop during the race. Also, look for VIP ticket options, including a VIP registration suite, Private shopping service, VIP Corral start, 30-min post-race massage, and access to a Post-race hospitality suite.
GFNY has five well-regarded US events, including GFNY Pennsylvania York, GFNY Florida, GFNY Rockford, and GFNY Maryland, and the GFNY World Championship in NYC every May.
