Watts & Finger Fastest at Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo

Hundreds of cyclists from across America descended on Helen, Georgia on Easter weekend to take on 10^th Annual Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo

The 10^th Annual Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo started out on wet roads from Helen, GA following early morning rainstorms. Riders appreciated a one-hour delayed start to let the last of the rain move out before they rolled out of town. Nevertheless, there were some cold fingers and toes on the steep North Georgia descents, before temperatures gradually warmed through the afternoon.

The TT1 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo retraces portions of stages from the Tour de Georgia pro race, through Helen, into the Unicoi State Park, and the nearby iconic climbs made famous by the 7-day stage race. Timed sections included Unicoi Gap, Hogpen Gap, Snake Branch and Oakey Mountain.

In the Men’s Gran Fondo, Jeffrey Watts (Blue Bell Wealth Management P/b Cannondale) was fastest in a combined time of 1h 6m 54s for 4 timed segments, ahead of Mark Detweiler in second and Andre Knight in third on the podium.

In the Women’s Gran Fondo, Debora Finger from Miami, FL was fastest in a combined time of 1h 24m 30s, just ahead of Shannan Steele in second and Mikaela Martin in third on the podium.

In the Men’s Medio Fondo, Thibaut Laffite from Decatur GA was fastest in a combined time of 1h 11m 17s for three timed sections. For the Women’s Medio Fondo, Monica Rossi-Montero Miami FL was fastest in a time of 1h 37m 18s.

In the team competition, Jeffrey Watts from Blue Bell Wealth Management P/b Cannondale struck gold again with teammates Mark Detweiler and Lee Sobotkin. Their combined time, including bonus seconds based on the total number of teammates who finished, was 3h 24m 30s. Team NGCA p/b Tyler Perry Studios were second, and team Blue Bell Wealth Management P/b Cannondale 2 were third on the overall team podium.

90 mile Gran Fondo Winners

Custom “Race Winner” cycling kits by SUAREZ cycling were awarded to all Gran Route age group category winners

66 mile Medio Fondo Winners

25 mile Medio Fondo Winners

View full 2022 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo Results, presented by Wahoo Fitness.

Prize Raffle

The popular Gran Fondo National Series Raffle was after the podium awards. The Gran Fondo Georgia raffle featured more than $5,000 of prizes from Series sponsors, including:

4-night Stay at Garda Bike Hotel in Italy
Stay & Ride with Movich Cycling in Colombia
Wahoo ELEMNT Rival GPS Watch
Wahoo KICKR smart trainer (model TBD) 
Lazer helmet
Industry Nine hubset
Cane Creek components 
Swiftwick socks
Bike Flights travel voucher
Shimano products
CTS Trainright Membership
Jittery Joe’s Coffee
UNDRBUDR anti-chafe cream
Ride with GPS Premium Membership

Next Up: Highlands Gran Fondo!

Mark your calendar for this in-person event on June 5th, 2022 in Butler, New Jersey

Showcasing the best riding around the New York Metro area, the Gran Fondo National Series circuit makes its third stop in northern New Jersey with courses covering 35, 60 and 100 mile journeys through rolling farmland, hilly ridgelines, and winding roads that weave up and down the lush green mountains.

This series event explores the Highlands region of New Jersey on Sunday, June 5th and presents an accessible and beautiful take on the increasingly popular time section format of racing and is sure to be a great time for riders of all abilities from beginner to the most elite.

Register NOW to Secure a Place!

Registration is open - but you'll need to hurry to secure a place on this epic challenge.

For more information, please visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-highlands

Qualify for 2022 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships

Riders can qualify for the 2022 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event, to be held during Gran Fondo Asheville in Asheville, NC on July 17, 2022. A USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship title, complete with a national championship jersey and medal, will be awarded to the winner in each age-group category at the annual USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event. For Highlands riders can qualify by competing in the Gran Route (100 mile distance).

Review complete qualification details here.

2022 Gran Fondo National Series Calendar

Starting in central Florida on March 20 with the Gran Fondo Florida and returning to California to finish the season with The Jensie Gran Fondo in the fall, the 2022 Gran Fondo National Series includes eight events:

At Partner Events, cyclists can earn points toward the season-long Gran Fondo National Series Championship point’s competition, as well as qualify for the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event.

Registration is now open for all Series events!

Register Early For Guaranteed Entry

Multiple Gran Fondo National Series events sold out in 2021, so sign up now and secure your entry early! As an added bonus, you'll save money because entry fees increase closer to the events. 

Save more with 3-day Series Pass!

Register for any three 2022 Gran Fondo National Series events at the same time, and get the lowest-possible price on all three. Can also be used anytime during the season, even after single-entry prices have increased.

About the Gran Fondo National Series

The Gran Fondo National Series (GFNS) was established in 2012 as the Gran Fondo National Championship Series by Reuben Kline, who has more than 25 years of experience in the cycling industry. GFNS is comprised of 9 European-style rides staged across the United States. Part personal challenge, part serious competition, the GFNS leads riders through country roads with challenging climbs and incredible scenery on some of the most beautiful courses in North America.

The GFNS has successfully coordinated more than 100 Gran Fondo’s across the USA with over 35,000 participants.

For more information, or to register for an event, go to www.granfondonationalseries.com.