Revolutionary Cycling Model Unites Professionals and Amateur Riders on Same Course, Transforming Sport’s Future

September 11, 2025

New approach mirrors successful marathon and triathlon formats, creating unprecedented fan engagement and commercial opportunities

New York City (September 11, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – A groundbreaking approach to professional cycling is gaining momentum, with innovators like Swatt Club and events such as GFNY / GP NYC demonstrating how the sport can evolve beyond traditional broadcast-dependent models to create a more inclusive, participatory, and commercially viable future.

The unified racing model, which allows professional UCI teams to compete on the same course as amateur cyclists and just a few minutes ahead of them, represents cycling’s answer to the successful mass-participation formats that have revolutionized marathons and Ironman triathlons. At GP New York City, held in conjunction with the mass participation race GFNY, professional riders start just 10 minutes ahead of thousands of amateur participants, creating a shared experience that transforms spectators into active participants.

Proven Results Drive Industry Interest

“This isn’t speculation – it’s already working,” said industry observers watching the model’s development. “We’re seeing UCI professional teams like Alpecin Deceuninck racing alongside development riders and elite amateurs, all on the same roads, creating stories and connections that traditional racing formats simply cannot deliver.”

The approach addresses three critical challenges facing professional cycling: limited fan engagement beyond television viewership, fragmented amateur development pathways, and restricted commercial opportunities for sponsors and teams.

Commercial Revolution for Sponsors and Teams

The unified model delivers measurable advantages over traditional professional-only racing:

• Depth of Exposure: One jersey worn by 100 riders over 100km generates 10,000+ minutes of visibility compared to fleeting TV appearances
• Authentic Engagement: Every participant becomes a brand ambassador through social media posts, GPS uploads, and personal race stories
• Purchase Intent: Amateur cyclists racing the same equipment as professionals creates direct emotional connections to consumer purchasing decisions

For professional teams, the model transforms them from race-day assets into lifestyle brands while providing direct access to development talent through shoulder-to-shoulder racing experiences.

UCI Benefits Without Calendar Expansion

The approach offers cycling’s governing body three strategic advantages:

1. Revenue diversification through entry fees, merchandise, and tourism partnerships independent of broadcast rights
2. Global talent identification allowing riders from non-traditional markets to compete against professionals without international travel
3. Federation engagement through increased licensed participation and clearer development pathways

Scaling the Future

Events following this model are expanding globally, with GP New York City serving as a flagship demonstration of the format’s potential. The approach complements rather than competes with traditional professional racing, offering a sustainable path for sport growth.

“Cycling’s next evolution isn’t about better equipment – it’s about better connection,” noted format advocates. “When fans become participants and amateurs race alongside professionals, we create something much more powerful than traditional spectatorship.”

The unified model represents cycling’s “marathon moment,” positioning the sport for sustainable growth through increased participation, enhanced commercial viability, and stronger community engagement.

About the Unified Racing Model

The unified racing format allows professional UCI teams and amateur cyclists to compete on identical courses during single events, typically with professionals starting minutes ahead of mass-participation fields. The model has been successfully demonstrated at events including Gran Premio New York City and continues expanding through partnerships with forward-thinking teams, sponsors, and event organizers.

Note to editors: High-resolution images from Gran Premio NYC and other unified format events are available upon request, showing professional teams and amateur participants sharing the same competitive environment.

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.

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