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GFNY announces UCI pro race Gran Premio New York City

Get ready for a cycling revolution in the heart of New York City! The GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series has just announced the groundbreaking Gran Premio New York City (GP NYC), a UCI 1.2 men elite pro race scheduled for May 19, 2024. What makes this event truly revolutionary is that it will take place on the same course and day as the 12th annual mass participation race, the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details:

Event Date: May 19, 2024
Location: New York City, on the same course as the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

World Premiere Event Format: Pro and Mass Participation Racing Together

This event format, hosting professional and mass participation races at the same time on the same course, is a groundbreaking move in the world of cycling. While common in running and triathlon, it’s a novel concept for cycling. The 180 pro cyclists from 25 teams will line up just 15 minutes ahead of the 5000 amateur riders on the closed-to-traffic lower level of the iconic George Washington Bridge.

Both races will follow a one-loop, 137 km (85-mile) GFNY course through Bergen County, NJ, and Rockland County, NY, featuring 2000 m (6500 ft) of climbing.

GFNY CEO’s Vision: Bringing Pros and Amateurs Together

According to GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme, the concept of adding a pro race to GFNY mass participation races has been in the works since 2014. The aim is to revolutionize cycling where traditionally pros and amateurs race in separate events. The unique aspect of having pros take on the same course as amateurs, just minutes ahead of them, is expected to bring racing fans closer to their heroes and elevate the overall event experience for riders, spectators, and sponsors.

Women’s Pro Race and Future Plans

While a women’s pro race is in the planning, it’s contingent on finding a sponsor. If confirmed, the women’s race would start 45 minutes ahead of the men’s professional race.

GFNY has ambitious plans to add UCI pro races to several of its 30+ events worldwide, with races like GFNY Miami, Cozumel, Republica Dominicana, Cannes, Kuala Lumpur, and Vaujany-L’Alpe d’Huez topping the list.

The Teams

The GP NYC is set to attract 25 teams from over 15 countries, making it an exciting international race. The field will include European Pro Tour teams, Continental Pro teams from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, as well as local pro teams.

New York City as the Cycling Capital

New York City, being the hub for finance, commerce, fashion, and international relations, is fittingly the host for this international professional cycling race. The event aims to showcase cycling to the world, with teams from over 15 countries participating.

Live Broadcast and Weekend Activations

Both the pro race Gran Premio NYC and the mass participation race Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC will be broadcast live online and onsite on a jumbo screen at the festival village. Fans globally can follow their favorite pros and friends in real-time.

Fans also get the chance to interact with the pros during race weekend through various activities, including a Team Presentation at Times Square, autograph sessions, and even group rides.

Weekend Experiences and Homestays

Race week leading up to the professional race offers exclusive experiences for guests, including a Welcome Reception in Manhattan, a Team Presentation ceremony, a Hospitality Suite at the post-race festival village, and a Champions’ post-race dinner.

Homestays, a staple in endurance sports, are being coordinated for pro riders, providing an opportunity for fans to host and witness the preparations of the pros.