Strambecco does not typically review new events, but we are making an exception given that Gran Fondo Utah is brought to you by the producers of the acclaimed Gran Fondo National Series. The inaugural Gran Fondo Utah will run on June 7 in Payson, Utah, offering cyclists of all levels an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Utah’s Wasatch Front. Final routes have not been announced, but you can expect multiple routes to accommodate riders of all abilities, ranging from scenic, family-friendly distances to more challenging courses for experienced cyclists. The event's highlight is the Gran course, which features the iconic Nebo Loop climb—a legendary ascent previously featured in the Tour of Utah in 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2018. With fully supported rest stops, timed segments, and a competitive element, riders can race for prizes or enjoy the challenge at their own pace. The event is co-produced by Utah event producer Cycling Quests.
About Gran Fondo National Series
Founded in 2012 by Reuben Kline, the Gran Fondo National Series is the largest and most competitive series of Gran Fondo cycling events in the United States. It was the first series to implement timed-segment racing in US gran fondo events and has been crowning Gran Fondo National Champions and Gran Fondo National Series Champions since 2012. Since 2020, the series has also been the official organizer of the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. As part of the Gran Fondo National Series, this event will allow cyclists in the Rocky Mountain region to earn National Series Points and qualify for the 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships, held at Gran Fondo Maryland, in Frederick, Maryland, on September 15, 2024. This event is, in turn, is a qualifier event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
For the most competitive cyclists, the series partnered with USA Cycling to bring the one-day Gran Fondo National Championship into the portfolio of official USA Cycling National Championship events. The event is held annually, and a national championship jersey and medal are awarded to the overall winner in each Gran Route age group category. The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event will be
To compete in the National Championship category, riders must qualify by meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in Qualification Events. However, all riders are welcome to participate in Gran Fondo Maryland and ride any of the normal Maryland Gran Fondo routes (Gran, Medio, and Piccolo), regardless of qualification status.
GFNS-owned events include Gran Fondo Florida (Dade City FL - March 17), Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo (Helen GA, April 21), Highlands Gran Fondo (Butler NJ - June 2), Gran Fondo Asheville (Asheville NC - July 14), Boone Gran Fondo (Boone NC - Aug 4), and Gran Fondo Maryland (Frederick MD, Sept 15). Gran Fondo Maryland doubles as the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship. Partner events include Cheaha Challenge (Jacksonville AL - May 18-19), Vermont Gran Fondo (Bristol VT - June 29), Cache Gran Fondo (Logan UT - July 13), Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb - Gran Fondo (Idaho Springs, CO - July 20), 719 Ride (Colorado Springs - July 20), and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo (Fincastle, VA - Oct 13). All GFNS races consistently rate among the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast, New England, Rockies / Colorado, and Southwest / California.
About Payson Utah
Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Payson, Utah, offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. Gran Fondo Utah coincides with Payson’s Founder’s Day Festival, offering an exciting atmosphere for both riders and spectators. The festival will feature local food, music, and family-friendly activities, ensuring a vibrant community experience for all participants.
