GFNY announces GFNY Grand Ballon

June 23, 2021

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series continues its expansion in France with announcement of GFNY Grand Ballon in Alsace on July 10, 2022

NEW YORK CITY, Jun 23, 2021 – GFNY Grand Ballon is the latest addition to the GFNY calendar. Scheduled for July 10, 2022, host town Thann is one of the most beautiful destinations in France. It lies at the start of the 170km Alsace wine Route and will be start and finish for GFNY Grand Ballon.

GFNY Grand Ballon offers the perfect summer bike-cation. Nestled in the foothills of the Vosges mountains, the host town of Than boasts a wine-growing tradition and exceptional vineyards. The competitive long course will allow riders to take in the idyllic landscapes and vineyards over the course of 145km and over 12,000ft of climbing.

Starting from the historic town center of Thann, climbing will begin after just 1km up to the little known Le Plan Diebold climb, before joining the ascent of the mythical Grand Ballon. Grand Ballon is the highest point of the Vosges Mountains. The road culminates at 1325 meters and will take riders through the heart of the scenic Ballons des Vosges Nature Park, where riders will be tested on legendary and demanding Tour de France climbs.

After descending Grand Ballon, the race continues to Markstein ski Station at 35km before reaching the Florival Valley Alsatian villages. Just before the midway point the biggest challenge of the day starts at Col du Fisrtplan straight into Wasserbourg with a maximum incline of over 21%.

Petit Ballon leads into Col du Platzewasel and Routes des Cretes before a second ascent to the top of Grand Ballon and the final climb, Viel Armand, a place of historical significance from the first world war. The much-earned descent will go through Cernay before taking Thann Road all the way to the finish line back in Thann.

“This is a magnificent course,” says GFNY CEO Uli Fluhme. “I’ve personally raced a lot in the Vosges because they are challenging, beautiful and full of Tour de France heritage. I’m proud to have a GFNY race there and to be able to share my passion for these mountains with riders from all over the world.”

The top 10% finishers in each age group of the competitive long course will earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

The 57km medium course of GFNY Grand Ballon will take riders through the heart of the scenic Ballons des Vosges Nature Park, to the top of the mythical Grand Ballon, and back.

Website: GFNY Grand Ballon 

About GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series is a sport event company with three decades of experience in racing, planning and organizing events. The global endurance sports brand hosts multiple events throughout the year around the world on five continents.

Working with partners around the world to deliver a first-class experience, GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series puts their athletes first.

Cycling

20 plus events around the world. View the 2021-2022 calendar here

Riders get to BE A PRO FOR A DAY ® by competing against others, themselves and the clock in a personal endurance challenge.

Top 10% (20% at regional championships) of finishers in each age group qualify for the Racer Corral at every GFNY World event.

GFNY World Championship NYC

The 10th annual GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 15, 2022. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. Athletes take on a challenging 100-mile route from NYC to Bear Mountain to Fort Lee to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official GFNY website is: www.gfny.com.

Further Material for Media Use

GFNY Grand Ballon video: here
GFNY World calendar graphic: here
Previous GFNY press releases: here

Media Contact

Gran Fondo New York Inc.
Emma Bishop, emma@gfny.com
Uli Fluhme, uli@gfny.com