Have you heard of the GFNY cyclosportive?

Published on 20 August 2024

GFNY or Gran Fondo New York is an international cycling event that attracts cycling enthusiasts from all backgrounds. Designed to offer a challenge that is both accessible and exhilarating, GFNY offers a variety of courses suited to different levels of fitness and experience. The races take place in iconic destinations around the world, each offering a unique experience. On 25 August 2024, the GFNY Orcières will be held, featuring two routes, 75 or 158 km, designed to test your endurance while allowing you to experience spectacular panoramas through the Hautes-Alpes. Each event features a mass start, individual chip timing, and closed or regulated roads to ensure a smooth and safe race. Discover all about this exceptional cyclosportive.

GFNY in a Few Words

Often referred to by its acronym GFNY, the Gran Fondo New York began as an iconic race on the roads of New York and New Jersey. Over time, it has evolved far beyond a local event; it has grown into an international franchise. Today, GFNY is held in destinations around the world, offering cyclists a unique and prestigious racing experience while retaining the spirit and excitement of its New York origins.

At GFNY, you have the opportunity to push yourself, test your physical and mental limits, overcome obstacles, and cross the finish line. It is a personal endurance challenge where you compete against others, the clock, and most importantly, yourself. Some athletes aim for the podium, while others strive simply to finish within the allotted time.

All GFNY events guarantee ideal conditions for you to experience a day like a professional:

• mass start;
• individual chip timing from start to finish, with awards for all categories;
• closed roads or police-regulated traffic, ensuring you won’t have to stop during the race.

A Must-See Cyclosportive

The event is gaining increasing popularity and has quickly established itself as a staple in the French cyclosportive calendar. Over the years, GFNY France has expanded its horizons by organising editions in various iconic regions of France. From Cannes to Villard de Lans, including Tourmalet and the Grand Ballon in Alsace, the event has won the hearts of cycling enthusiasts across the country. The novelty for 2024 is the Orcières-Merlette stage in the Alps, highlighting the growing popularity of GFNY France and its positive impact on local tourism.

GFNY in France

This year, GFNY France offers 7 exciting races that will take you to discover the communes and legendary peaks of our beautiful country:

• GFNY Cannes on 24 March 2024;
• GFNY Villard de Lans on 26 May 2024;
• GFNY La Vaujany Alpe d'Huez on 16 June 2024;
• GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet on 23 June 2024;
• GFNY Thann Grand Ballon on 21 July 2024;
• GFNY Orcières on 25 August 2024;
• GFNY Alpes Vaujany Croix de Fer on 01 September 2024.

A Family-Friendly and Competitive Event

GFNY France stands out for its inclusive approach to cycling, welcoming both former elite cyclists and passionate amateurs. The event offers a unique blend of competition and camaraderie. GFNY is open to all fitness levels and athletes aged 18 or over (or 19 for some races, such as GFNY Italia). No prior qualification is required, and no licence is necessary.

A Commitment to Cyclists and the Environment

GFNY France is distinguished by its complete commitment to its participants and the environment. The safety of riders is a top priority, with particular attention given to the presence of volunteers and aid stations throughout the course. At the same time, the event adopts environmentally friendly practices, implementing initiatives to reduce waste and ensuring that it is not left on the roads.

A All-Inclusive Experience

The registration fee covers not only access to the event but also a high-quality jersey made in Italy, a goodie bag, official ranking, a post-race meal, a medal, and regular refreshments during the race. This all-inclusive package allows each cyclist to fully enjoy the event without worrying about logistical details. GFNY France takes care of all aspects to ensure that every participant has a memorable experience.

Focus on GFNY Orcières 2024

Orcières Merlette 1850, located in the Champsaur valley in the Hautes-Alpes, is a true paradise for cyclists. The resort enjoys exceptional weather conditions, and its superb cols and climbs, close to the Écrins National Park, make it an ideal base to tackle many summits. Cycling enthusiasts will be challenged by the ascent of Orcières, known for its technicality and sporting character, with a 7% gradient over 7 km. Even the most experienced cyclists will find it a significant challenge!

Orcières has hosted the finish of five stages of the Tour de France (1971, 1972, 1982, 1989, 2020). Among them, the 1971 stage remains etched in memory, with the victory of Spanish rider Luis Ocaña, who beat Eddy Merckx, known as "The Cannibal", by nearly 9 minutes before taking the yellow jersey. This achievement remains one of the most memorable in Orcières. We also remember the 1989 stage, where Greg Lemond took the yellow jersey from Laurent Fignon during the time trial between Gap and Orcières.

In winter, the resort is popular for its sunny ski area reaching 2,725 metres, as well as for the variety of its off-ski activities.

A Long Course

Explore the wonders of the Hautes-Alpes through the GFNY Orcières cycling course. This long route of 158 km, with a positive elevation gain of 4,400 metres, will take you through breathtaking landscapes. The start is from Orcières Merlette 1850, where you will ride in a peloton to the first ascent of the day: the climb of Ancelle. You will then continue towards Lake Serre-Ponçon passing through Chorges and Saint-Apollinaire, with stunning views of the Écrins National Park and the largest artificial lake in Europe. A 25 km loop awaits you on roads well known from the Embrun triathlon and the Tour de France, with sections that can be very steep.

Back in Chorges, prepare to tackle the highest point of the day: the Col de Moissière and its superb mountain road. You will then continue with the Chaillol road, followed by a demanding return via the Serre Eyraud road, before reaching the finish at Orcières Merlette, perched at 1,850 metres above sea level.

This course promises a true adventure on the spectacular roads of the Hautes-Alpes and Champsaur. Take part in this challenge, rise to the occasion, and be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes.

This long course is a competition. Only participants who complete it are eligible for category rankings, awards, and podium access. If you wish to compete and be ranked in your category, it is imperative to participate. The top 10% of finishers in each age group qualify for the priority start pen at each global GFNY event.

A Medium Course

The medium course of GFNY Orcières will take you through the most memorable roads of the Hautes-Alpes. At a distance of 75 km with a positive elevation gain of 2,000 metres, this course will lead you through stunning landscapes.

The start will be from Orcières Merlette 1850, heading towards the foot of the Ancelle climb. You will then continue with the long ascent of Chaillol before facing the final challenge: the climb towards Orcières Merlette 1850 via Serre Eyraud.

The Hautes-Alpes, and particularly the Champsaur, are renowned for their breathtaking panoramas. Throughout your course, you will admire imposing mountains, lush valleys, and crystal-clear high-altitude lakes. The Champsaur is also distinguished by its unique mountain hedgerows, which add a touch of rustic charm to the natural beauty of the region.

This medium course is not a competition. Participants will receive a timing from start to finish but will not be ranked by their time. Results will be displayed in alphabetical order, with no ranking based on finishing time.

The GFNY Orcières is therefore a must-do in the world of cyclosportives in France, combining sporting challenge and immersion in spectacular alpine landscapes. Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, this race embodies the very essence of mountain cycling, where each ascent is an opportunity to surpass yourself and discover breathtaking views.

With a challenging course and flawless organisation, the GFNY Orcières offers cyclists a unique experience, blending competition and camaraderie. And if you’re a climber, don’t hesitate to find the model of your dreams among our stock of reconditioned road bikes.