Cycling: Worldwide events, international pelotons, high quality standards – with this concept, the Gran Fondo New York race series has established itself in the amateur cycling scene. Last weekend, the GFNY Cozumel took place in Mexico.
1.700 racing cyclists from 35 countries traveled to Mexico, and Cozumel – an island near the well-known tourist destination Cancún – showed itself from its best side: pleasant temperatures, Caribbean sun and unusually little wind. The supporting program included a two-day bicycle fair with 30 suppliers and a parade of the participating nations and teams. This honored the athletes who had traveled to the event from South Africa, Australia, USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Holland, Germany and almost all Latin American countries. Cozumel once again proved to be a fun, tropical and safe place for the field and the families and friends traveling with them.
Sunday's race offered participants the choice of 80 or 160 kilometers. The flat terrain and light winds allowed for impressive average speeds: the winner of the long-distance race, Mexican Luis Lemos, averaged 44 km/h and crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 42 minutes. Colombian Camila Cortes, the fastest woman, also posted a remarkably fast average speed of 42 km/h. It is hoped that the organizers' strict anti-doping policy ensured fair competition.
The next event is the first GFNY Argentina on December 6th in the cycling mecca of San Luis. A challenging course with a final mountain finish will once again showcase the climbers.
Anyone wishing to register for the main event of the series – the Gran Fondo New York City on May 15, 2016 – should hurry: Registration is only possible until the end of this week. The GFNY Germany will then celebrate its premiere on August 28, 2016.
