Gonzalez and Vidal take victory at Gran Fondo Florida

Nearly 600 cyclists enjoyed beautiful springtime weather in Dade City with 11 teams participating and 75 riders qualifying for the 2025 National Championships

This past weekend the 13^th annual Gran Fondo Florida was the center of attention in Dade City, closing down Main Street for the start, finish, expo and post-ride party with Dade City Brew House. Participants were greeted with sunny skies and warm weather.

The fondo’s travelled along rural rolling hills, past horse farms and crystal clear springs. Briefly going through Withlacoochee State Forest and the hills surrounding Brooksville with  3 routes, the 35 mile Piccolo Fondo, 65 mile Medio Fondo and 100 mile Gran Fondo each with 1, 3, and 4 timed sections respectively for the competitive part of the race and ride.

Arguably the “easiest” event of the Gran Fondo National Series based on total elevation gain, but with nonstop rolling hills it’s the hardest gran fondo in Florida and rewards riders who can work well in groups and power over the rolling terrain.

Everyone rode with confidence on the marked and marshalled course, supported by law enforcement, mechanic and sag vehicles, as well as feed stations staffed through the local youth police Explorers
program.

In the 100 mile Gran Fondo, Camilo Vidal from Hollywood was the winner with a combined time of 39m 3s over the 4 timed sections just seconds ahead of Oscar Stangoni (+2.55s) and series regular Felipe Aros (+7.94).

Francisca Gonzalez from Key Biscayne was the fastest women with a combined time of 42:49.19, ahead of Michelle Che +2:55.28 in second and Kate Lavie +3:58 in third place.

In the 65 miles Medio Fondo Steve Grey from Palm Harbor was fastest in a time of 33:27.92 ahead of Andres Lizarazu +0:36 and Martin Wagner +0:36 in third place.     

In the women’s Medio Fondo Laura Evans from Naples was fastest over the 2 timed sections in 39:03 ahead of 2 Rosa Laura Saggese Elbooz +0:35 in second and Jessica Pessoa in third place +0:52.

In the 35 mile Piccolo Fondo, Bernie Veon was fastest over the timed section in 15:46.28, ahead of Jesse Pavek +0:47 in second and John Leach +1:20 in third place.

In the women’s Piccolo Fondo, Claudia Mccoy from Trinity was fastest over the timed section in a time of 16:10.46, ahead of Alison Hayden +2:50 in second and Monica Brauchle +2:58 in third place.

Claudia said afterwards “What a fun day at Gran Fondo National Series in Florida —this event never disappoints! Perfect weather, amazing countryside views, and so many familiar faces made it extra special. My team absolutely crushed it… I’m thrilled to have placed 1st overall female and 2nd overall! Only 24 seconds behind the top guy… so close, if I would have known I would have found another gear!”

There were finisher medals for all riders who completed the Gran, Medio, or Piccolo route.

Afterwards everyone enjoyed the legendary Gran Fondo National Series Raffle, with over $5,000 of prizes, podium awards and swapped stories with new and old friends over great food from Uncle Fatty’s, cold beer from Dade City Brew House, and live music.

2025 Gran Fondo Florida Overall Podium Awards

Team Awards

Over 11 teams participated with stiff competition animating the race throughout the day.

1. Aroscycling -Time after Bonus: 1:53:47 - Camilo Vidal, Oscar Stangoni and Felipe Aros
2. K2 Blue Hammers - Time after Bonus: 2:03:59 - Frank Dorn, Felipe Monsalve and Matthew Maffucci
3. Breakaway Bandits - Time after Bonus: 2:11:56 - Willie Gonzalez and Carlos Navarro and Eduar Rodriguez

2025 Championship Qualifier’s

Over 75 riders qualified for the 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships, to be held during Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick, MD on September 14, 2025.

Beneficiary

This event raised funds for SRO Explorer Program in Pasco County and Dade City. The School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit is composed of two squads that provide law enforcement services to schools countywide. The SRO Explorer Program provides services for those aged 14-21. Through the longstanding partnership with Gran Fondo Florida hundreds of youth interested in law enforcement have been exposed to cycling when volunteering at the event.

Link to 2025 Gran Fondo Florida Results: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/florida-2025-results

Up Next: Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo

Cycling enthusiasts are invited to register for the highly anticipated 13^th annual Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, taking place on April 19, 2025.

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Helen is the third-most visited town in Georgia, renowned for its unique Bavarian-themed architecture and stunning natural surroundings. Just a two-hour drive from major airports in Atlanta, GA, and Greenville, SC, the town serves as the perfect backdrop for this exhilarating cycling event.

Participants can choose from three distinct routes: the 90 Mile Gran Route, the 66 Mile Medio Route, and the 25 Mile Piccolo Route. Each course offers a mix of steep climbs, serene country roads, breath-taking views, and thrilling descents, providing cyclists of all skill levels with an unforgettable experience.

Experience Southern hospitality with a Bavarian twist! A smaller peloton, compared to other GFNS events, also helps create a tight-knit family atmosphere on road and at the post-ride party with your choice of food from La Cabana Mexican Restaurant or Bangkok Haus.

The Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo is designed with rider safety and support in mind. The marked and marshalled courses are patrolled by law enforcement, safety motos, and sag vehicles, ensuring that participants can ride with confidence. Staffed feed stations will be available along the routes to keep cyclists fuelled and hydrated.

To celebrate their accomplishments, riders can enjoy a refreshing beer at the finish line. Post-ride dining options include La Cabana Mexican Restaurant and Bangkok Haus, allowing participants to savour delicious meals after an exhilarating day of cycling.

Results can qualify riders for the 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships, to be held during Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick, MD on September 14, 2025.

In addition to the thrill of the ride, more than $5,000 in prizes will be awarded from Series sponsors, with all riders eligible to win.

For more information visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia or click the button below to register now.