Photo finish at Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami

April 21, 2026

Closed to traffic highway delivers spectacular racing conditions for 5k run and cycling race

New York City, April 21, 2026 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 3rd Michelob ULTRA GFNY Miami delivered fast racing under ideal conditions on the fully closed to traffic highway. The race was decided by a powerful early breakaway – and a nailbiting photo finish.

The inaugural Michelob Ultra GFNY Miami 5k run started 30 minutes ahead of the cycling race, taking advantage of the full road closure, just before sunrise. Felicia Watson and Rubens Alvens took the win. Watson was one of a dozen runners who jumped on the bike after the run to join the cycling race for a unique challenge.

Right from the start in the first kilometer of the cycling race, a breakaway of eight riders had formed at a fierce pace. By kilometer ten, the lead group had been reduced to four riders including GFNY Puerto Rico champion Felipe Aros (Chile), defending Michelob ULTRA GFNY Miami champion Fabrizio Stangoni (Italy), multi-GFNY champ Flavio de Luna as well as Rigorberto Rodriguez (both Mexico). The quartet worked well together, opening a two-minute lead at the first turnaround and extending it to an untouchable seven minutes with 5km to go.

A crash involving Fabrizio Stagnoni and Rigoberto Rodriguez disrupted the front group, leaving Aros and De Luna to contest the victory. In a thrilling rush to the line, Aros took the win in 1:54:14 from De Luna, with Stangoni closing the podium a few seconds later, frustrated by the crash.

In the women’s race, Rachel Liberatore (USA) took the win in 3:21:31. She was followed by Gabriela Sosa (Mexico) in second place and Cheryl Willberg (Canada) in third.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the grand finale: the 14th edition of Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC and the third edition of Gran Premio New York City will take place Sunday, May 17, 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 Miami Video: here

GFNY Press Images: 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