GFNY announces Michelob Ultra GFNY Walnut Creek – California

May 6, 2026

GFNY’s second California race scheduled for April 18, 2027

New York City (May 6, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – GFNY is proud to announce Michelob ULTRA GFNY Walnut Creek – California, set for April 18, 2027. The event expands GFNY’s presence in California and brings the series’ Be A Pro For A Day race experience to the East Bay, positioning Walnut Creek as a premier destination for competitive cycling.

The long distance race covers 104 km (64.4 miles) with 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) of elevation gain, culminating in the decisive ascent of Mount Diablo. The 11-mile (17.7 km) climb to the summit ranks among the most iconic in the United States, gaining over 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) with pitches reaching 18%.

In a rare distinction for a climb of this stature, Mount Diablo will be fully closed to traffic for the event. The official finish line is located at the summit, rewarding riders with panoramic views across Northern California.

The medium distance option focuses on the direct challenge: a shorter, direct route from Walnut Creek straight to the summit of Mount Diablo.

Following their summit finish, riders will descend back to Shadelands SportsMall, where the finish village hosts the post-race meal, awards ceremony, and race festivities.

“Walnut Creek offers exactly what we look for in a host city: a sophisticated, welcoming base with immediate access to world-class riding,” said GFNY President Lidia Fluhme. “Mount Diablo is one of the great climbs in American cycling, and closing it fully to traffic elevates it into something truly exceptional.”

The race will start at Shadelands SportsMall, which will serve as race week headquarters, hosting packet pickup and the GFNY Expo. Group rides on Friday and Saturday will give participants the opportunity to preview the course and connect ahead of race day.

Walnut Creek combines a high-quality urban environment with immediate access to the East Bay’s extensive cycling network. Beyond race day, participants and their families can take advantage of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and one of Northern California’s leading dining and shopping scenes.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY Walnut Creek delivers a demanding course and a distinctive race experience anchored by one of the most iconic, fully closed climbs in the country.

Website: walnutcreek.gfny.com

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 Walnut Creek 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