Shimano Extends Sponsorship of U23 Entries to Gran Fondo National Series Cycling Events

January 22, 2025

A record number of Juniors and U23 riders participated in Series events in 2024

(Gettysburg, PA – January 22, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Gran Fondo National Series today announced that Shimano has extended their sponsorship that encourages riders under 23 years of age (U23) to register for Gran Fondo National Series events at 50% off. This sponsorship bolsters the long-term partnership between the Series and Shimano, the industry leader in cycling components. In addition to sponsoring Junior and U23 fields, Shimano will have a prominent presence at the Series owned 2025 SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series events.

“Shimano has been a long-term partner with Gran Fondo National Series, particularly with efforts to increase participation from younger riders. In 2024, we had a record number of Junior and U23 riders participate in our events, in large part because the financial support from Shimano,” said Gran Fondo National Series founder and director, Reuben Kline. “Additionally, I don’t want financial hardship to prevent any Junior or U23 rider from participating in Series events. Young riders who cannot afford an entry should contact me directly at reuben.kline@granfondoseries.com.”

“Shimano appreciates what Reuben has been doing to break down the barriers that have existed in traditional competitive road racing and encourage greater participation in cycling. Being part of an initiative focused on getting younger riders more engaged in the sport is the kind of advocacy Shimano is very happy to be part of,” said Nick Legan, Road Brand Manager for Shimano. “We share Reuben’s mission to get more people on bikes and we look forward to interacting with gran fondo riders at Series events throughout 2025 and beyond.”

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2025, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned Suarez Gran Fondo National Series events: Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. Most Series Partner-Events will offer the same discount. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and athletes will be asked to verify their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.

About Shimano North American Bicycle, Inc.  (https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/home.html)

Shimano North American Bicycle, Inc., a member of Shimano North America Holdings, Inc., along with its world-renowned subsidiaries, offers consumers outstanding sport-related products and apparel. Shimano is proud of its staff, diversity in talent, interests, and backgrounds. The company is an ISO14001 certified business where environmental compliance and continued improvements are part of the business philosophy and operations.

About Gran Fondo National Series (granfondonationalseries.com)

Founded in 2012 by event director Reuben Kline, the Gran Fondo National Series is the largest and most competitive series of gran fondo cycling events in the United States. Gran Fondo National Series was the first series to implement timed-segment racing into US gran fondo events and has crowned Gran Fondo National Champions and Gran Fondo National Series Champions since 2012. Since 2020, Gran Fondo National Series has been the organizer of the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships.