2025 Best Charity Event: Gran Fondo Hincapie-Greenville
Top cycling stars helped Hincapie-Greenville Gran Fondo raise money for Polk County Hurricane relief reaching over $870,000 USD
Hurricane Helene was a devastating tropical cyclone that caused widespread catastrophic damage and numerous fatalities across the South-eastern United States in late September 2024.
Helene was one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the US mainland in the last 50 years. Over 103 people died in North Carolina alone and over 200 people had to be rescued due to floods.
Putting on the normal Gran Fondo which travelled from Greenville, SC into NC was out of the question.
After some careful thought, Rich Hincapie came up with a plan, "For over 14 years, we’ve been uplifted by the generosity of our neighbors in Polk County—always there for us without expectation for the Gran Fondo Hincapie Greenville. Now, they need our help more than ever. We are mobilizing to raise One Million Dollars to aid Polk County residents in their recovery efforts”
"Together, we will give back to the communities that have always been there for us. We will ride new routes exclusively within Greenville County, with the full support of local authorities."
The revised course was a 19 mile loop with one rest stop. The course didnt go into North Carolina nor did it take any police or emergency support away from North Carolina. The Gran 3 lap, Medio 2 loops and Piccolo one loop.
After extensive discussions with Greenville County, we’ve crafted a plan that prioritizes safety while also supporting our friends in need."
VIDEO: Gran Fondo Hincapie raises money for Hurricane Helene relief
Guest stars included Tour de France legends Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, Jan Ulrich, Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde, and NFL star quarterback Brett Favre, along with nearly 2,000 fondo fans who made it to the start -- despite ongoing disaster recovery in the region!
The weekend kicked off with an unforgettable night at the Mark Cavendish Retirement & Helene Huricane Relief Party at the stunning Hotel Domestique with exquisite dishes crafted by incredible celebrity chefs to sipping on amazing wine and spirits, the evening was pure magic. Lucky guests were able to share the table with legends like Mark Cavendish, Jan Ullrich, and Bradley Wiggins.
The next day, thousands of participants rode multiple laps on the "low impact 19-mile course" to ensure the ride did not "detract emergency services" from ongoing Hurricane relief efforts in the Carolina's.
Bella Hincapie, Operations Coordinator stated "What an absolutely fantastic day at Gran Fondo Hincapie-Greenville! With perfect weather and thousands of enthusiastic riders, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. We were especially thrilled to have cycling legends Sir Mark Cavendish and Sir Bradley Wiggins joining us on the course, adding an extra dose of star power to the event!"
"We came together not just to ride, but to support our friends in Polk County, North Carolina, and your generosity made a real impact. Thank you for making this day so unforgettable—your energy and spirit truly brought this community together"
This year's 76-mile Gran Fondo event saw a familiar men's podium with 30-year-old former Colombian profesional Diego Ruiz repeating last year's victory in a time of 3:16:49. Jeff Case finished second in 3:18:28, climbing up one podium step from last year, while multiple UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Bruce Bird settled for third place in a time of 3:21:42.
In the women's race, American 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Amy Phillips secured victory in a time of 3:44:45, with Emma Frost trailing at 3:48:40 and Katie Prowell finishing third in a time of 3:57:38.
Mitch Hopkins won the men’s Medio Fondo in a time of 2:43:54, and Amanda Hodges won in the women's category in a time of 2:48:38.
Jackson Mitten won the men's Piccolo Fondo in a time of 53.02 and Beth Messick won in the women's category in a time of 1:16:27.
Boasting a $10,000 cash prize pool, the Hincapie Junior Challenge, was won by Peyton Perckel for the men and Reagen Pattishall for the women.
Enzo Hincapie took the Junior KOM climb challenge along with Reagen Pattishall.
2025 Registration Open
The 15th Edition of Hincapie Gran Fondo Greenville takes place October 17 - 18 2025.
The Gran Fondo Hincapie is more than just a “big ride.” It’s a multi-day cycling celebration with scenic rides, live music, and a family festival with free fun, food, and drinks.
Join thousands of cycling pros, celebrities, weekend warriors, and first-time riders in the excitement of the Gran Fondo Hincapie hosted by George and the family.
Choose between a shorter Piccolo, a mid-length Medio, or a longer Gran ride on one of the scenic routes mapped and tested by George Hincapie. The event is a chance to connect with other cycling enthusiasts and indulge your passion for cycling, no matter your skill level.
For more information, please visit: https://hincapie.com/pages/gran-fondo-greenville
2024 Hincapie-Greenville Gran Fondo Photo Gallery
