1500 racers tackled tough course of sold out GFNY Grand Ballon

July 25, 2024

Janine Meyer and Thomas Devaux win third edition of the French race

New York City, July 25, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The third edition of GFNY Grand Ballon took place last Sunday, with a record participation of 1500 cyclists and challenged racers on a 146.3 km long course with 4041m of climbing in one of the most beautiful destinations in France. It was the fifth of no less than seven GFNYs in France this year.

Start and finish were held in the historic town center of Thann. Right of the gun up the first climb a lead group formed, including 2023 champ Frederic Glorieux, 2022 champ Michiel Minnaert, GFNY Alpes Vaujany Champ Tim Alleman (all Belgium) and pro cyclist Thomas Devaux (France).

During the climb of Col du Petit Ballon, Minnaert put in the first attack and split the group. At the Platzerwasel, Devaux attacked and defended his lead to win in 4:30:04, ahead of Alleman and Minnaert.

In the female race, 2023 GFNY Grand Ballon Champ Janine Meyer (Germany) defended in 05:00:34, a whopping 21 minutes before French Aurore Pauchet and Emma Waser who closed the podium. Meyer climbed Grand Ballon in 43:10, almost a minute faster than dominant pro rider Annemiek van Vleuten at the 2022 Tour de France.

Next up on the GFNY calendar is the GFNY Conservatória which will take place August 4, 2024.

About GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series

GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series is a sports event company with three decades of experience in racing, planning, and organizing events. The global endurance sports brand hosts multiple events throughout the year around the world on five continents.

Working with partners around the world to deliver a first-class experience, GFNY Global Endurance Sports Series puts its athletes first.

The official GFNY website is: gfny.com.

Cycling – Mass Participation

Dozens of races are held around the world. View the latest calendar here.

Riders get to BE A PRO FOR A DAY ® by competing against others, themselves, and the clock in a personal endurance challenge.

The top 10% (20% at regional championships) of finishers in each age group qualify for the Elite Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC

The 13th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York will be held on May 18, 2025. The race features the world’s most international peloton with riders from over 90 countries. It is so international that it’s often described as the United Nations of cycling. Athletes take on a challenging route to compete against each other, the clock, and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

The official Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC website is NYC.GFNY.COM.

Cycling – Pro Racing

At Gran Premio New York City, professional teams race the same course as riders at the Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC – but with a 10-minute head start. The second edition will be held on May 18, 2025 and aims to be at 1.1 level with World Tour teams racing.

The official Gran Premio New York City website is GP.GFNY.COM.

Further Material for Media Use

Official GFNY Grand Ballon video: here

GFNY Press Images: here

GFNY Results: here

GFNY World calendar graphic: here

Previous GFNY press releases: here

Media Contact

Gran Fondo New York Inc.

Uli Fluhme, uli@gfny.com

Caroline Lindsay, caroline@gfny.com