Sprint finish at GFNY Punta del Este

March 17, 2026

De Oliveira and García win the eighth edition

New York City (March 17, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The eighth edition of GFNY Punta del Este took place under ideal racing conditions, with sunny skies, a steady temperature of 24°C and almost no wind. The race featured a 124.2 km course with 967 m of climbing.

Starting in the heart of Punta del Este, riders headed out on a scenic course along one of the most spectacular coastal roads in South America overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The route included the iconic climb of Punta Ballena, which riders tackled from both sides during the race.

The peloton remained largely together until kilometer 86, when a small breakaway formed. However, it was soon reeled back in by a chasing group of approximately 35 riders.

On the descent following Punta Ballena, defending 2025 GFNY Punta del Este champion Ítalo De Oliveira (Brazil) launched a decisive attack with 8 km remaining, opening a gap of roughly 500 meters. De Oliveira maintained the advantage all the way to the finish line, taking the win in 3:02:42 and claiming his second consecutive GFNY Punta del Este title. Diones Chinelatto (Argentina) finished second in 3:02:56, while Roberto Rodrigues (Brazil) completed the podium in 3:02:57.

In the women’s race, 2024 GFNY Punta del Este champion Mariana García (Uruguay) delivered an outstanding performance, riding with the men’s groups for much of the race to take victory in 3:03:02. Sabrina López (Argentina) finished second, followed by Antonella Orique (Uruguay) in third place.

Next on the global schedule is the inaugural GFNY Aguascalientes in Mexico on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

About GFNY

GFNY is an international cycling organization that designs, owns, and operates a structured system of races worldwide. Its competitive hierarchy connects GFNY races with National and Continental Championships, culminating in the GFNY World Championship in New York City. This progression is known as the GFNY Road to NYC.

GFNY events feature fully timed racing with age-group competition and are open to a wide range of riders, combining competitive structure with accessible participation. GFNY operates its own integrated registration, results, and ranking system, maintaining direct relationships with participants across all events. While road cycling is its foundation, GFNY also operates select events in gravel, mountain bike, and running within the same competitive framework.

Website: gfny.com

About the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City

The Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York City is GFNY’s flagship event and the final stage of the GFNY Course to NYC. Held annually on a challenging road course in and around New York City, it brings together riders from more than 90 countries.

Website: nyc.gfny.com

GFNY Pro Series

The GFNY Pro Series is GFNY’s professional racing platform, built around an integrated Pro–Am format in which UCI-sanctioned professional races are held on the same courses and weekends as GFNY mass-participation events. The format was pioneered at Gran Premio New York City and is expanding selectively to additional locations, including Gran Premio Cozumel, subject to UCI approval.

Website: gp.gfny.com

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Punta del Este Video: here
GFNY Results: here
GFNY World calendar graphic: here
Previous GFNY press releases: here

Media Contact

Gran Fondo New York Inc.Uli Fluhme, uli@gfny.com
Caroline Lindsay, caroline@gfny.com