2025 Bluewater International Gran Fondo
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Registration opens for the 2023 Vermont Gran Fondo

Registration opens for the 2023 Vermont Gran Fondo 

Conquer the Green Mountain’s Infamous Gaps on Saturday, June 24th 2023. Can you survive one of the toughest Fondos in North America? Challenge yourself and check it off your bucket list!

Photo: Meet the Lincoln Gap, the steepest paved mile in the US!Photo: Meet the Lincoln Gap, the steepest paved mile in the US!

The 9th Edition of the Vermont Gran Fondo (VTGF) challenges riders to take on the infamous 4-gap ride, known by locals as the LAMB ride. The name comes from the four gaps: Lincoln Gap, Appalachian Gap, Middlebury Gap, and the Brandon Gap, all highly contested Strava segments.

VTGF showcases the Green Mountain’s quiet, challenging climbs and breathtaking views. Hailed as the best road biking in New England, it has earned the status of the state with the most climbing on Strava.

The Gran course traverses the four gaps with 10,000+ feet of climbing back and forth across the spine of the Green Mountains, including the Lincoln Gap with an average grade of 17% with a max of 24%; named the steepest paved mile in the US featured by Global Cycling Network as one of the steepest climbs on the planet.

The Gran route is arguably one of the toughest Gran Fondos in North America.

If the views don’t take your breath away, the climbs will!

Sound Daunting?

There are distances to suit all abilities of cyclists; why not try the 80-mile Medio with 5500+ feet of climbing (2 gaps) or enjoy the 42-mile Piccolo (no gaps).

Challenge yourself and check this one off your bucket list!

Part of the SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series

The Vermont Gran Fondo is part of the 2023 SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series (GFNS), which creates the opportunity for riders at Vermont Gran Fondo to earn Series points and qualify for the 2023 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships in Maryland.

As part of the Series, points will be awarded based on timed sections on each of the four gaps.

VTGF’s Green Mountain Gap Challenge trophies will be awarded to the top three men and women rider times on the Lincoln Gap, as has been done in the past.

Photo: Part of the SUAREZ Gran Fondo National SeriesPhoto: Part of the SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series

Such is its reputation; the Northeast’s top Gran Fondo attracts hundreds of cyclists from all over North America and internationally, especially those who love a real climbing challenge!

The 40-mile Piccolo Fondo has no gaps to climb and 9 miles of hard-packed gravel. The Piccolo will be a great ride for those who want an easier ride and soak up the atmosphere and still includes a healthy 2,700 feet of climbing.

For those looking for something a bit more challenging, the 80-mile Medio Fondo includes climbs of the Middlebury and Brandon Gaps, 9 miles of hard-packed gravel, and around 5500+ feet of climbing; it represents a real challenge in its own right!

From the very beginning, the Vermont Gran Fondo has always had a special emphasis on rider experience, testament to its sell-out status since it started!

There are fully stocked rest stops and toilets with the foods you expect at an endurance cycling event (PBJ, Hammer Fuels and Fluids, an assortment of fresh fruits), plus a variety of specialty treats.

The Gran route is arguably one of the toughest Gran Fondos in North America.Photo: The Gran route is arguably one of the toughest Gran Fondos in North America.

The three amazingly scenic, challenging, and well-marked routes are signed marking every turn, with cue sheets, route maps at each rest stop, and course marshals to help guide you.

Typical support with rest stops at 20-25 mile intervals and Mechanical and sag support.

Afterward you can enjoy the much-loved après ride after-party with local food and brews while swapping stories and enjoying the sunset, all at the Bristol Recreation Club in Bristol, VT.

Enjoy local food, and locally-produced beverages (beer, of course!) in the massive party tent.

Entry into the party is included in your registration fee.

For those traveling from afar, there is a comprehensive list of local lodging options here for you to enjoy your experience and time in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

RIDE IT IF YOU CAN!

Photo: Middlebury Gap and Ski Resort
Photo: Middlebury Gap and Ski Resort

Register NOW to Secure a Place

There are only 750 places available for the 2023 edition, so early registration is advised to secure a place well in advance; registration closes early on June 1st.

For full details, please visit: http://vermontgranfondo.com or click the register now button.

Register before the discounted fee deadline: Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023

 

Vermont Gran Fondo Photo Gallery

Middlebury GapThe Pelton Rolls OutSmile!Part of the Gran Fondo National SeriesFeedstationFeedstationMiddlebury Gap and Ski ResortThe PelotonDowntown Lincoln VTGap ClimbingGap ClimbingMoto Crew at the StartMoto Support Crew MembersVTGF a steep section of Lincoln GapVTGF base of Lincoln GapVTGF curves of Appalachian GapVTGF final stretch up Appalachian GapVTGF Gravel SectionVTGF Middlebury GapMeet the Lincoln Gap, the steepest paved mile in the US!Meet the Lincoln Gap, the steepest paved mile in the US!