Gran Fondo Hincapie-Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania’s ‘Spring Classics,’ scheduled for May 31

April 3, 2025

Riders are challenged to take on up to 13 sectors of ‘Pennsylvania Pavé’

Lehigh Valley, Penn., (April 3, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Gran Fondo Hincapie has created spectacular cycling experiences for over 13 years, and its Lehigh Valley, Penn. event, now in its fourth consecutive year, will take place on May 31. Registration is now open and participants who register by April 13 will get their event jersey onsite, rather than having it mailed after the fact. Hosted by former professional road cyclist and Olympian, George Hincapie, and the Hincapie family, the format for this bike event aims to give riders a taste of the European ‘Spring Classics’, one of George Hincapie’s favorite riding styles. Cyclists will tackle the short climbs of Flanders, the smooth dirt sections of Strade Bianche, and the iconic velodrome finish of Paris-Roubaix, all in one epic ride.

On Saturday at 8 a.m., starting from the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Gran riders will head out of the stadium and venture onto the best roads that Lehigh Valley has to offer. Over approximately 80 miles, riders will take on 13 sectors of ‘Pennsylvania Pavé’, seven bergs (short steep climbs), approximately seven miles of gravel riding, three covered bridges, and the stadium atmosphere of a finish at the Velodrome. Speed Zones along the course are designed to challenge riders, showcase their speed and skill, and keep everyone safe, allowing participants to push their limits and vie for top honors in a friendly competition.

Below are the course specifics for each of the three distances:

• Gran – 81 miles, 5800 ft of elevation, 4 rest stops, 5 timed Speed Zones
• Medio – 53 miles, 3600 ft of elevation, 2 rest stops, 3 timed Speed Zones
• Piccolo – 14 miles, 830 ft of elevation, 1 Speed Zone

“We are thrilled to welcome the Gran Fondo Hincapie back to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. This event adds so much value to the beginning of our cycling calendar, bringing together passionate cyclists and the community for an unforgettable experience,” said Jorge E. Romero, Managing Director & Community Outreach Lead at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. “Hosting the Gran Fondo at our venue underscores our commitment to promoting cycling and fostering a vibrant, active community. We look forward to this grand opening of the 2025 season at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center with the Hincapie Lehigh Valley Grand Fondo.”

To commence the weekend festivities, on Friday night, all Gran Fondo Hincapie participants will get a free entry to the American Classic, which is the kickoff event for track season at Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Hincapie participants are invited to join for a night under the lights filled with high adrenalin racing and excitement. The races start at 7 p.m. with a fireworks finale. For those looking to elevate their Friday night experience at the Velodrome, a Night with the Stars dinner will take place on the upper VIP deck. This event features food stations, top-rated wine, and a chance to mingle with George and other VIP guests – it’s the best pre-ride party you can imagine. Tickets for this VIP dining experience are available now.

Gran Fondo Hincapie events attract cyclists of all abilities with their perfect mix of challenging courses, breathtaking views, and a welcoming community of riders. Alongside the Family Fun Festival, which will feature gourmet food by world-renowned Chef Biju Thomas, drinks, music, kid-friendly activities, awards, prizes, and an expo, Hincapie events are known for offering a top-tier, professional experience for all participants. With perks like a free event jersey, timing chips, SAG support, fully stocked rest stops, participant medals, photos, course safety, and appearances by cycling celebrities, Hincapie events live up to their world-class reputation.

The Lehigh Valley event is just one of Gran Fondo Hincapie’s four world-class events in 2025; the next will take place Oct. 18 in Greenville, S.C., where the Hincapie Gran Fondo events started in 2012. Registration is now open for all of the 2025 events.

To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie, please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Hincapie

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others, and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey.

​​About George Hincapie

George Hincapie is a retired professional road cyclist who was one of the most accomplished American cyclists of his generation. Over his 19-year career, he competed in 17 Tours de France, the most of any American cyclist, participated in five Olympic Games, and excelled in the Spring Classics, including winning Gent-Wevelgem in 2001 and securing multiple top-10 finishes in Paris-Roubaix. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2012, Hincapie has remained active in the sport as a co-founder of Hincapie Sportswear, which specializes in cycling apparel, and launched a professional cycling team. He is also the co-owner of Hotel Domestique, a luxury cycling destination in South Carolina, and hosts the Gran Fondo Hincapie series with his family.

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View and Download 2024 event images HERE (Credit: Hincapie)

General Hincapie Gran Fondo photos HERE (Credit: Hincapie)

Media Contact:

Verde Brand Communications

Alexa McRoberts

hincapie@verdepr.com