GFNY Global Series

The GFNY Global Series, produced by GFNY Worldwide Event Series, is a renowned series of cycling races that takes place in various locations around the world. GFNY, which stands for “Gran Fondo New York,” was founded in 2010 and has since grown into an international cycling phenomenon. The series attracts thousands of participants, both amateur and professional, who come together to test their endurance, skill, and determination on challenging race courses.  The namesake event is GFNY New York City which is arguably one of the best and most unique gran fondos the world over.

The GFNY Global Series events are characterized by its gran fondo format, which combines the excitement of a competitive race with the camaraderie of a mass participation event. Gran fondo is an Italian term that translates to “big endurance.” It typically involves a long-distance road cycling race where participants aim to complete the course within a set time frame.

Each GFNY Global Series event features a unique race course that showcases the host city’s scenic landscapes, iconic landmarks, and challenging terrain. The routes are meticulously designed to provide a memorable and demanding experience for cyclists of all levels. Riders can expect a mix of climbs, descents, flats, and technical sections, catering to a variety of cycling abilities.

One of the distinguishing features of the GFNY Global Series events is its commitment to providing a professional racing experience for all participants. The races are fully supported, with professionally timed starts, chip timing, and fully stocked aid stations along the route. Safety is a top priority, and the organizers ensure adequate medical support and traffic control to ensure a smooth and secure race environment.

The series offers multiple race categories to accommodate riders of different ages and abilities. Athletes can choose between two distances: the long route and the medium route. The medium course is a non-competitive, recreational ride. Your total time is provided, but there are no rankings. The long-route riders are taking part in a competitive race. All finishers are ranked overall and in their age group. These categories include elite, amateur, and age group divisions, allowing participants to compete against others in their respective skill levels and age brackets. The events also feature a competitive aspect, with awards and prizes given to the top finishers in each category.

You don’t need to be a licensed racer with your federation to take part in GFNY. Some races require you to have a license, and if you do not have that race’s domestic annual license or an annual international UCI license, you must present a medical certificate and purchase a 1-day license. Some races require you to present a medical certificate but do not require a license.

Beyond the racing aspect, the GFNY Global Series promotes a strong sense of community among its participants. Riders from different countries and backgrounds come together to share their passion for cycling and celebrate their accomplishments. The events often include pre- and post-race festivities, such as expos, social gatherings, and awards ceremonies, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

The GFNY Global Series has expanded its reach over the years and now includes races in various countries across North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. This international presence has further solidified its reputation as a premier global cycling series, attracting participants from around the world.  You’ll find profiles below from all the GFNY US Events and several international events.

  1. New on the global GFNY Global Series event calendar, GFNY Pennsylvania York becomes the fifth US cycling race on the 30+ event global calendar. The course takes riders through the undulating and scenic York County countryside with plenty of challenging climbs and along beautiful nature like Gifford Pinchot State Park, Pinchot Lake, and the winding Conewago Creek. Strambecco rates this event as one of the best cycling events in Pennsylvania.
  2. Cambridge proudly hosts the GFNY Maryland, an event renowned as Maryland’s hardest and biggest road race and a new GFNY Global Series calendar event. With its roots deeply anchored in Maryland’s authentic landscape, the race offers two distinct courses. The team at Strambecco considers it to be one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Mid Atlantic.
  3. GFNY presents GFNY Rockford, a race in Illinois’ second largest city, Rockford, located one hour from Chicago. Chosen as one of our best road cycling events in the Midwest, this thrilling race takes place amidst the picturesque landscapes of northern Illinois, promising participants an unforgettable experience of speed, endurance, and natural beauty.
  4. The inaugural Gran Fondo New York (GFNY) New York City race was held in 2011 and GFNY bills itself as the largest global cycling marathon brand.  As you might expect, this is a big event in NYC.  5,000+ riders lining up on a carless George Washington bridge is quite a novelty. Chosen as one of the best cycling events in the Mid-Atlantic and New York, the route offers some of the best riding terrains in the region, hugging the New Jersey side of the Hudson River North, crossing the NY state line to Bear Mountain State Park, the summit of Bear Mountain, and reversing course through a very hilly section of New Jersey.
  5. For road cycling aficionados searching for their next thrill, the GFNY Florida Sebring event in the delightful Sebring, Florida beckons with its beautiful landscapes, clear lakes, and serene citrus groves. This one is rated by Strambecco as one of the best road cycling events in the Southeast.

The GFNY Global Series is a prestigious and exhilarating series of cycling races that combines the thrill of competition with the joy of a mass participation event. With its challenging race courses, professional organization, and diverse international presence, the series continues to captivate cycling enthusiasts and promote a global cycling community.

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GFNY New York City 2024

New York, New York New York, NY, United States

The inaugural Gran Fondo New York (GFNY) New York City race was held in 2011, and since then, GFNY has expanded to global series of 30+ events. GFNY bills itself as the largest global cycling marathon brand.  As you might expect, this is a big event in NYC.  5,000+ riders lining up on a carless…

GFNY Pennsylvania York 2024

York, Pennsylvania York, NY, United States

Last Updated April 2, 2024 New on the 2023 global GFNY Global Series event calendar, GFNY Pennsylvania York becomes the fifth US cycling race on the 30+ event global calendar.  The competitive long distance is 95.1 miles with 6202 ft of climbing with start and finish at the York Expo Center.  The Medium course option is…

GFNY Alps Vaujany 2024

Vaujany, France Vaujany, Oisans-Romanche, France

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…

GFNY Maryland 2024

Cambridge, Maryland Cambridge, MD, United States

Last Updated March 17, 2024 This year, Cambridge proudly hosts the GFNY Maryland, an event renowned as Maryland’s hardest and biggest road race and a new GFNY World Series calendar event. With its roots deeply anchored in Maryland’s authentic landscape, the race offers two distinct courses: a thrilling 92-mile long course for the competitive spirits…

GFNY Florida Sebring 2024

Sebring, Florida Sebring, FL, United States

Last Updated March 23, 2024 For road cycling aficionados searching for their next thrill, the GFNY Florida Sebring event in the delightful Sebring, Florida beckons with its beautiful landscapes, clear lakes, and serene citrus groves. Situated centrally, Sebring is a mosaic of ‘old Florida’ charm, tranquil lifestyle, genial warmth, and delightful eateries, promising a cycling…