A GUIDE TO CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK AND ALL GFNY WORLD EVENTS
BE A PRO FOR A DAY
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BE A PRO FOR A DAY AT ANY OF THE 2014/15 GFNY WORLD EVENTS! AT EACH GFNY EVENT, YOU WILL ENJOY: ● Closed roads or police moderated traffic with right of way at all intersections ● The chance to do your best on a challenging course without having to worry about anything but riding ● Chip timing, results and rankings ● Competition prizes across all age groups ● The chance to qualify for a racer corral starting position at the inaugural GFNY Championship in NYC ● Uniform set of rules ● Similar great participant and family experience
A granfondo is like a marathon where athletes compete against each other, themselves and the clock, and do their best as a personal challenge. Gran Fondo New York kicked off in 2011 in the world’s greatest city and was modeled after the authentic Italian amateur bike races. Now, with six additional GFNY events around the world, there is no better way to explore new climbs, meet new people, see new places and get ready for the GFNY Championship in NYC on May 17, 2015.
CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK T HE FIFTH EDITION OF Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York takes place on May 17, 2015 in New York City. For the first time, it will be the official and inaugural GFNY Championship. 5000 athletes from over 70 countries tackle the challenging 100mi / 160km course with 8,000ft / 2,500m elevation gain to crown the overall and age group GFNY Champions. The race starts on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge, the world’s busiest bridge, which is fully closed to traffic for GFNY. With its views, international peloton and great
energy, it is the most exciting start line in cycling. Riders who finished in the top 10% of their age group in New York 2014 or any of the GFNY World 2014/15 events are assigned racer corral seeding. While all riders are chip timed, a front start for strong riders ensures that athletes are with their direct peers from the start. The GFNY Bear 50 mile will once again be the ride of choice for those who don’t want to take on the challenging 100 mile Championship but still want be part of the experience. The 50 mile non-competitive
GRANFONDONY.COM DATE 17 May 2015 START LOCATION George Washington Bridge, NYC, USA DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route (Championship): 100mi / 160km and 8,000ft / 2,500m Medium route (non competitive): 50mi / 80km and 3,300ft / 1,000m CLOSEST AIRPORTS John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark (EWR), La Guardia (LGA) ACCOMMODATION Official hotels are listed at granfondony.com/hotels EXPO AND REGISTRATION 15-16 May: NYC Bike Expo (www.nycbikeexpo.com) ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS NYC! 3 REASONS TO RACE NYC 1. NYC, baby! 2. The most international peloton in the world 3. GFNY Championship
ride starts together with GFNY 100 but ends atop the iconic Bear Mountain. From there, riders and their bikes are transported back to Fort Lee for the finish festivities. In addition to the race, the fifth annual NYC Bike Expo takes place on May 15-16. All GFNY participants must come in person to pick up their race packets at the expo, and it’s also open to the public and free admission. Race sponsors along with other vendors in the cycling, food, wine, tourism and automotive sectors (among others), will be on hand to showcase their latest products. Flying to New York City is very easy, with three area airports, JFK, LGA and EWR and every major airline flying to the world’s capital city. The easiest option to get to your hotel is to take a taxi or car service, and there is also the budget option of taking the subway. The best place to stay while in NYC is midtown Manhattan, to be close to the tourist attractions. Another option is to stay in Fort Lee, NJ, to be near the GFNY course and convenient logistics for getting to/from the start and finish on race day. New York City offers countless tourist attractions for everyone in the family, including architecture, historic sights, arts, music, fashion, entertainment, restaurants and more. And NYC enjoys the best weather during the month of May with comfortable warm temperatures, long days, low humidity and fresh greenery.
LIMAR GFNY ITALIA L IMAR GFNY ITALIA IS AN authentic Italian granfondo. The course has the perfect length and perfect amount of climbing – it will challenge you and make you tired but is a manageable late-season goal. Its small, technical roads make it highly entertaining and the Italian riders will no doubt approach it like they always do: “a tutta”, all out. More than ever, the “La corsa la fanno i corridori”, the racers make the race, is true for Limar GFNY Italia. The 85mi / 135km “lungo” (long route) has 2,500m / 8,000ft of climbing while the 60mi / 100km “medio” (medium route) has 1,800m / 5,000ft of climbing. Both routes start and finish in Terracina and offer views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ausoni and Aurunci Mountains, Roman ruins, medieval mountaintop villages, countless vineyards, and lemon, orange and olive groves.
Mid September in Italy is a great time for cycling: fewer crowds than during the main tourism season, but still perfect weather. Daily highs average at 80F/25C and nighttime lows at 60F/15C and low humidity means a low chance for storms. Rome and its Fiumicino International airport are only an hour by car from Terracina, which makes Limar GFNY Italia easily accessible, and also a perfect base to explore one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Whether you plan a day trip or add on a few days, visiting Rome is a must-do. Nearby cultural attractions from Terracina include the Temple of Jupiter Anxur in Terracina and the Villa of Tiberius in Sperlonga. Terracina also has a harbor with fishermen bringing back their nightly catch each morning to sell at the fish market. When eating out, be sure to ask which fresh-caught fish are on the menu for the day.
GFNYITALIA.COM DATE 21 September 2014 START LOCATION Terracina, Italy DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route: 85mi / 135km and 8,000ft / 2,500m Medium route: 60mi / 100km and 5,000ft / 1,800m CLOSEST AIRPORT Rome Fiumicino (FCO) ACCOMMODATION Travel packages are listed on gfnyitalia.com EXPO AND REGISTRATION 20 September, Terracina ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS Rome, Anxur Jupiter temple, beach, outdoor market every Thursday morning 3 REASONS TO RACE GFNY ITALIA 1. Experience an authentic Italian granfondo 2. Visit Rome 3. Enjoy the warm late summer climate
GFNY COZUMEL A T GFNY COZUMEL, GRAN FONDO New York meets Cozumel’s beachside roads, challenging Caribbean winds and a Mariachi fiesta atmosphere. Cozumel is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide located 12 miles off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea about 35 miles south of Cancun. The area is known as the Riviera Maya. Cozumel is most famous for being among the top scuba diving destinations in the world and boasts great beaches, a tropical climate, delicious food, world class duty free shopping and extremely friendly locals. The 50mi / 80km loop of the course takes in scenic coastal views on the eastern and western sides of the island, tropical forest, cruise ship piers and the island’s tourism center and only town, San Miguel de Cozumel. Riders of GFNY Cozumel can choose between the 1-loop
medium route and the 2-loop long route. Although the course is dead flat, riders who assume that GFNY Cozumel provides no challenges will be surprised by two obstacles – wind and sun. Both are constants and they can be particularly punishing, so make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. To cheat the winds, get in a good group and work together to conserve energy and make quick progress through the course. Because Cozumel is a popular travel destination, it is served by daily direct flights from major U.S. cities like Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver and others. Another option is to fly to Cancun. Regional airlines have regular shuttle flights from Cancun to Cozumel. Or you can take a bus or taxi from Cancun 40 miles south to Playa del Carmen and then a 30-minute ferry to Cozumel that leaves every hour.
GFNYCOZUMEL.COM DATE 23 November 2014 START LOCATION San Miguel, Cozumel DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route: 100mi / 160km and fierce winds Medium route: 50mi / 80km and fierce winds CLOSEST AIRPORTS Cozumel (CZM) and Cancun (CUN) ACCOMMODATION Official hotels and vacation rentals are listed on gfnycozumel.com EXPO AND REGISTRATION 21-22 November, San Miguel ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS Snorkeling, beach, deep sea fishing, Mayan culture, ATV 3 REASONS TO RACE GFNY COZUMEL 1. Race a granfondo in tropical paradise 2. End-of-season event right before Thanksgiving 3. Carb load dinner at Mr. Sancho’s and after party at the famous Señor Frog’s
GFNY PUERTO RICO T HE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF Puerto Rico extends a very warm welcome to cyclists taking on GFNY Puerto Rico on February 15, 2015 – average daily highs in February are 84F / 29C and average daily lows are 73F / 23C. But while Puerto Rico’s temperatures are pleasant on the skin, the hilly GFNY Puerto Rico courses will punish the legs. GFNY Puerto Rico’s long route is 84mi / 135km and has 7,800ft / 2,400m of climbing. The medium route is 60mi / 100km and 4,500ft / 1,400m of climbing. And there is also the short route with 43mi / 70km and 3,000ft / 900m of climbing. There are three distance options on this out-and-back course that still provide a challenge and dish out some pain at this season opener. While racing GFNY Puerto Rico, you
will undoubtedly enjoy the scenic course with its ocean views, waterfalls, lush forest, hills and colonial villages. One additional perk of GFNY Puerto Rico is the peloton of hard-core, friendly Puerto Rican cyclists with a great sense of humor. And best for all, cyclists from the US don’t need to rush home after crossing the finish line because Monday, February 16 is Presidents Day. There are many tourism options in San Juan and around the rest of this large island (it is 110mi long and 40mi wide). Puerto Rico is US territory therefore passports are not required for US Citizens traveling from the United States, but a valid government issued ID will be required to board the plane. Passports are required if you are flying in from outside the United States.
GFNYPUERTORICO.COM DATE 15 February 2015 START LOCATION Dos Hermanos Bridge, San Juan DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route: 84mi / 135km and 7,800ft / 2,400m Medium route: 60mi / 100km and 4,500ft / 1,400m CLOSEST AIRPORT Luis Muñoz Marín San Juan (SJU) ACCOMMODATION Official hotels are listed on gfnypuertorico.com EXPO AND REGISTRATION 14 February, Condado, San Juan ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS Beach, snorkeling, Old San Juan, Morro Castle, El Yunque National Forest, Bio Bay, catamaran sailing, caves 3 REASONS TO RACE GFNY PUERTO RICO 1. A scenic, challenging, tropical course in the beautiful Caribbean 2. Get out of the northern hemisphere winter 3. Long holiday weekend in the US
GFNY BARCELONA
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TART AND FINISH OF GFNY Barcelona is held in the city of Barcelona at the famous Montjuic mountain. It’s the site of the 1992 Olympic Games and finish of the Tour of the Basque Country professional race. GFNY Barcelona is poised to become one of the most important granfondos in the world already from its inaugural edition held in 2015. GFNY Barcelona provides two distance options: a 96mi / 155km long route with 9,500ft / 2,900m of climbing and a medium route of 68mi / 110km with 6,500ft / 2,000m of climbing. Both distances will be, like all GFNY World events, timed. However, in accordance with Spanish law, the competition will be based on the accumulation of the times achieved at three major climbs.
Barcelona’s influence in commerce, sports, entertainment, media, fashion, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities. It is internationally renowned as a tourist destination, with numerous recreational areas, one of the best beaches in the world, mild and warm climate, historical monuments, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many quality hotels, and a developed tourist infrastructure. It will already be spring at the end of March with perfect temperatures to ride on hills, through scenic towns like Vilafranca, Sitges and Castelldefels and along the Mediterranean Sea. GFNY Barcelona is a fantastic season opener and perfect in combination with a training camp on the Costa Brava.
GFNYBARCELONA.COM DATE 22 March 2015 START LOCATION Barcelona, Spain DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route: 96mi / 155km and 9,500ft / 2,900m Medium route: 68mi / 110km and 6,500ft / 2,000m CLOSEST AIRPORT Barcelona (BCN) ACCOMMODATION Official hotels are listed on gfnybarcelona.com EXPO AND REGISTRATION 21 March, Montjuic, Barcelona ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS Barcelona! 3 REASONS TO RACE GFNY BARCELONA 1. Barcelona 2. A course that has a great mix of both sea and hills 3. Spring in Barcelona is magical
GFNY COLOMBIA G FNY COLOMBIA WILL LEAVE you breathless, not only because of its scenic course, but also because the start in Bogotá is at 8,660ft / 2,640m. With two distance options of a 105mi / 170km long route with 9,800ft / 3,000m of climbing and a 60mi / 100km medium route with 6,500ft / 2,000m of climbing, both routes will challenge the GFNY Colombia participants. Colombia has a rich cycling history, with cycling being the #2 national sport after soccer (football). The country is fanatical about cycling, with crowds lining the streets cheering on the competitors, whether pro or amateurs. Besides being home to cycling champions like Nairo Quintana and Rigoberto Urán, Colombia is also home to the winners of Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York 2013 (female)
and 2014 (male and female). Bogotá is the political and financial capital of Colombia and the secondlargest city in South America. It has an outstanding tourism infrastructure and countless options for cultural, adventure and family activities. Ciclorutas is the city’s bike path system and it is one of the most extensive dedicated bike path networks of any city in the world, with a total length of 376km / 234mi. The nearest airport, El Dorado International Airport, is west of the city’s downtown, and is located inside city limits. There are daily nonstop flights from many cities like Buenos Aires, Dallas, Miami, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Toronto on all the major airlines. A regulated taxi from the airport costs US$10-20.
GFNYCOLOMBIA.COM DATE 29 March 2015 START LOCATION Bogotá, Colombia DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route: 105mi / 170km and 9,800ft / 3,000m Medium route: 60mi / 100km and 6,500ft / 2,000m CLOSEST AIRPORT El Dorado Bogota (BOG) ACCOMMODATION Official hotels are listed on gfnycolombia.com EXPO AND REGISTRATION 28 March, Bogotá ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS Bogotá! 3 REASONS TO RACE GFNY COLOMBIA 1. Colombia is one of the most cyclingfanatic countries in the world 2. Race a granfondo in South America’s 2nd largest city 3. Test your legs and lungs while racing at altitude
GFNY MONT VENTOUX G FNY MONT VENTOUX KICKS off the 2015/16 GFNY WORLD season with a remarkable experience in France’s top destination, Provence. The race is staged in Vaison-la-Romaine and finishes atop Mont Ventoux, arguably the world’s most iconic cycling mountain where many Tour de France stages were held and legends were born. The long route is 87mi / 140km and has 11,500ft / 3500m of climbing. The medium route is 71mi / 115km long and has 9,800ft / 3,000m of climbing. Both routes travel over several cols and finish on the 6,237ft / 1,912m-high Mont Ventoux. From there, riders enjoy a relaxed postrace descent back to Vaison-la-Romaine to take part in the finish festivities. Mont Ventoux means “windy mountain” and has two distinctive features: one, while the base has ample trees and vegetation, the top of the mountain is bare limestone
which provides striking imagery, and two, it towers over nearby hills and dominates the entire region with its presence. With the fastest recorded ascent of 0:55:51, climbing Mont Ventoux will challenge every cyclist, particularly because the 13mi / 21km ascent marks the final challenge of the race. The region’s typical Provençal villages constructed in stone as well as their plazas adorned with fountains attest to their outstanding heritage of art and history. Vaison-la-Romaine is no exception. It is a medieval town equally known for its Roman ruins, situated at the bottom of Mont Ventoux. There are weekly Provençal markets filled with up to 450 exhibitors in the summer season (arts and crafts, local goods, food stalls of all kinds, produce, textiles, etc). It sprawls out over the main squares and streets of the town and is an ancient tradition dating all the way back to 1483.
GFNYMONTVENTOUX.COM DATE 28 June 2015 START LOCATION Vaison-la-Romaine DISTANCES AND CLIMBING Long route: 87mi / 140km and 11,500ft / 3,500m Medium route: 71mi / 115km and 9,800ft / 3,000m CLOSEST AIRPORT Marseille (MRS) ACCOMMODATION Can be booked on gfnymontventoux.com EXPO AND REGISTRATION 26-27 June, Vaison-la-Romaine ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH ACCOMPANYING NON-CYCLISTS Explore the Roman and medieval town of Vaison-la-Romaine, outdoor market every Tuesday morning 3 REASONS TO RACE GFNY MONT VENTOUX 1. Conquer the world’s most iconic cycling mountain 2. Visit Vaison-la-Romaine and the Provence 3. The pleasantly warm climate in June