Preview: GFNY North America Championship in Sebring, Florida

After their inaugural GFNY Marathon in Sebring last week, GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series is back with cycling at the second GFNY Florida Sebring this Sunday, October 31. It’s this year’s GFNY North America Championship race where the champions win a fully covered trip to the World Championship in NYC on May 15, 2022.

Race week activities take place in the historic Downtown Sebring with group rides Friday & Saturday featuring Olympians Nelson Vails (USA) and Luis Lemus (Mexico). Saturday, 2-13 year olds get to Be a Pro For a Day at GFNY Kids.

On Sunday, the race starts at the Highlands County YMCA and heads west for a scenic loop through Central Florida’s tranquil and scenic nature. The 90-mile race will be fast and furious without any noticeable elevation gain. The 55-mile non-competitive ride is a shorter version of the same course.

Despite ongoing travel restrictions and a general hesitations of people to travel, the peloton will be incredibly international this Sunday. Athletes from 22 countries and all across the US are taking part. Because it’s a regional Championship, the top 20% of riders of all age groups in the long course will qualify for a front corral start at all GFNY cycling races for the following race season.

“Sebring is quickly becoming a hot spot for cycling and now also running due to the two races we hold here in October,’ says GFNY co-founder Lidia Fluhme. “Florida is a tough spot to hold races due to the lack of low traffic roads. But Sebring is conveniently located between Miami, Tampa and Orlando and has some of the very best cycling in the state. Highlands County has been amazing to work with to close or moderate roads in order to give the 800 racers a safe and exciting experience.”