Over 1000 riders at GFNY Villard-de-Lans

May 28, 2025

Camille Udny and Thibaut Clément win after 3973m of climbing

New York City (May 28, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The mountainous Vercors national park hosted the fourth edition of GFNY Villard de Lans this past Sunday. With its 163.4 km with an elevation gain of 3973 m, the racecourse is one of the most challenging of the GFNY circuit.

A lead group of around 40 riders was still together after the first major climb at La Croix Perrin. Among the favorites in the lead pack were GFNY Grand Ballon 2023 champ Frédéric Glorieux (Belgium), GFNY Alpes Vaujany 2024 champion David Polveroni, Thibault Clément, GFNY Lourdes Tourmalet 2022 champion Julien Berard, and Mathis Desloges, the pro XC skier proudly representing Villard-de-Lans (all France). They were joined by Belgian Ward Wauters, who just last week raced the UCI pro race Gran Premio NYC, Benjamin Buchetet, and former pro Nicolas Capdepuy.

After Station de Fond d’Urle, only eight riders remained in the front group heading into the final climb of Col d’Herbouilly. It was there that Clément launched the decisive attack, soloing to the finish in a remarkable time, a full 15 minutes ahead of the 2024 benchmark.

In the women’s race, Camille Udny claimed victory with a time of 5:30:59, finishing ten minutes ahead of Zélie Bergsma. Charlotte Vernette secured third place, completing an all-French podium. The Watt Club Team dominated the race, sweeping the podium and demonstrating their impressive depth and teamwork.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the second edition of GFNY Paracas which will take place Sunday, June 8, 2025.

About GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series is a sports 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 its athletes first.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races held around the world. View the latest 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 Elite Qualifier Corral at every GFNY event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 14th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 17, 2026. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The third edition will be held on May 17, 2026.

Adding a women’s pro race would elevate the event further. The proposed format would have women starting 45 minutes ahead of the men’s pro race, giving them their own stage. However, the extended road closures required for this addition increase costs by $100,000.

For those interested in supporting women’s racing, GFNY is inviting companies and organizations to help sponsor this important addition. Contact GFNY to discuss partnership opportunities.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Villard de Lans 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