Gran Fondo New York, Coming in 2011

Coming in 2011, the Gran Fondo New York. The press release:

"Gran Fondo New York brings Italian cycling culture to the world’s greatest city. The inaugural Gran Fondo New York is set to take place on May 8, 2011. The 105-mile professionally managed event will feature the excitement of starting in New York City, a timed climb to the top of Bear Mountain, beautiful scenery, charming towns and the camaraderie of group cycling.

Gran Fondo is a popular cycling event stemming from Italy. With a peloton of 500 to 10,000 participants, a Gran Fondo covers at least 100 miles and goes over challenging terrain. In France and the UK such events are known as cyclosportives.

The Gran Fondo New York course will take the 6,000 cyclists from New York City to New Jersey across the iconic George Washington Bridge with stunning views of Manhattan. Riders will follow the Hudson River upstream on Route 9W and nearby rural roads and after 50 miles, arrive at Harriman State Park. There, the five-mile climb up to the top of Bear Mountain will be chip-timed. Riders can measure themselves against New York's finest cyclists, teammates and friends. After descending, the course will wind its way back to the city. Along the way, cyclists will enjoy well-stocked rest stops with New York-style bagels, pretzels and doughnuts, energy gels, water, soda and electrolyte drinks. Throughout the day, medical and mechanical support will circle the course for anyone in need of assistance.

The undulating terrain of the course will challenge participants’ strength and stamina. The event is a great opportunity for competitive as well as recreational cyclists, with each participant choosing their own speed at which to complete the event. While the climb to Bear Mountain is the featured timed section, there are other challenging climbs en route that will also be timed.

After the race, prizes will be awarded across age groups, teams and Lui+Lei (him&her) categories. Among the meal options will be New York-style pizza and hot dogs, pasta and cake. Throughout the awards ceremony, raffle prizes will be distributed. Included in the entry fee will also be a professionally designed cycling jersey and various gifts from the sponsors of the event.

“Our goal is to bring quintessential Italian cycling culture to the world's greatest city. The combination of 'Italianita' and NYC will make Gran Fondo New York an event not to be missed," says Lidia Rekas the event’s organizer.

Mark your calendars, registration opens on August 1, 2010."

For more information check www.granfondony.com

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