Ostergaard and Niwinski fastest in Asheville, as U.S. Gran Fondo National Series returns to the Roads

Cyclists enjoyed riding the new Socially Distanced Solo Fondo format in North Carolina

(Asheville, NC) September 2nd – Cyclists from North Carolina and beyond turned up over the weekend of August 22-23^rd to ride the 8^th edition of the Gran Fondo Asheville.

The Gran Fondo National Series event changed its format due to the ongoing public health restrictions, with participant’s health and safety being the top priority.

The new format allowed riders to start at any time over 2 days, record their ride and upload it to RidewithGPS.com to be included in the leader board and for the overall and age group competitions.

The three routes designed for all abilities of cyclists were marked including the timed sections with orange spray chalk.

Cyclists started individually in Asheville and quickly moved along well-marked winding roads out into pastoral countryside and up onto beautiful mountain ridge vistas. At the end of the ride, cyclists descended down from the Blue Ridge Parkway back to Asheville.

The Gran Fondo was a very challenging 98 mile route with 8,577 feet of climbing. The route included four timed sections; Bear Creek, Grapevine, Riverside and Elk Mountain.

The Medio Fondo was a challenging 60 mile route with 4,845 feet of climb and the three timed sections; Bear Creek, Riverside and Elk Mountain.

The Piccolo Fondo, a fantastic option for all the new novice and beginner bike riders was 30 miles with 1,964 feet of climbing and the timed section of Elk Mountain.

50% of entry fees went directly to support Asheville on Bikes, which cultivates the culture of urban and commuter cycling through advocacy and celebration. We believe that cycling has direct benefit to the health of our community.

All Solo Fondo and Drive way Challenge Participants received a Swag Bag by mail including an Event t-shirt, Hammer Nutrition products, Bonk Breaker Nutrition products, and additional products from GFNS partners.

Gran Route Overall Results

Female                                     Div                              Sec #1 Sec#2  Sec #3 Sec#4

1          Karen Ostergaard        W35-44           1          11:11   28:22   24:13   31:52   14.55   1:35:38            --           

2          Debora Finger             W23-34           1          12:54   33:14   25:06   42:30   12.23   1:53:44            +18:06

3          Sara Navas                  W23-34           2          12:20   35:04   23:36   44:38   12.03   1:55:38            +20:00

Male

1          Noah Niwinski            M35-44           1          9:33     24:26   20:20   27:39   16.98   1:21:58            --           

2          Randy Warren             M55-64           1          9:58     24:36   20:07   29:23   16.55   1:24:04            +2:06  

3          Jorg Decressin             M45-54           1          10:15   25:15   21:25   30:53   15.85   1:27:48            +5:50

Free One-Year Ride with GPS Premium Membership Winners

Gran Fondo

1st Male: Noah Niwinski

1st Female: Karen Ostergaard

GFNS Medal Winner’s

For full results, please visit: https://bit.ly/354Sptj

Raffle Winners!

Raffle Prizes. All riders who complete a Solo Fondo Asheville route and upload their files - regardless of pace or performance.

More than $5,000 in Raffle Prizes were Up for Grabs at the Solo Fondo Asheville Event, and here are the lucky winners!

Stay for two at the Garda Bike Hotel in Lake Garda, Italy

Chris Kelley; Middletown, MD

Stay at Sourwood Inn in Asheville, NC

Gregory Copelan; Lenoir City, TN

Wahoo Kickr Snap Trainer

John Metz, Ellicott City, MD

ENO Hammock

Rebecca Bishop; Annandale, NJ

Industry Nine Hubset

Jeffrey Baker; Fayettevile, GA

CaneCreek eeBrakes

David Clark; Morganton, NC

Shimano S-Phyre Shoes

Vanessa Ballarte; Weston, FL

Lazer Century Helmet

Daniel Page; Durham, NC

Fastest Section time on Elk PRIME: Stay at Sourwood Inn

Noah Niwinski; Boone, NC

Register Now for Solo Fondo Maryland

The U.S. Gran Fondo National Series moves to Frederick, MD this September 19-20 for the Maryland Solo Fondo, there are three routes, the 27 mile Piccolo Fondo, the 61 mile Medio Fondo and the more challenging 96 miles Gran Fondo that includes 9,133 feet of climbing. The weekend includes a “Driveway Challenge” for athletes who cannot travel to Frederick. The event is a short drive from DC or Baltimore.

$5,000 in Raffle Prizes Up for Grabs in Maryland

Anyone who registers for and completes Solo Fondo Maryland or a Maryland Driveway Challenge on September 19-20, will be entered to win prizes, just like Asheville!

Event information and registration: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/solo-fondo-maryland