The Golden Gran Fondo has a lot to offer. Here’s why.

Jim Rutberg

The 10^th a year Golden Gran Fondo It’s an end-of-summer celebration of road cycling in the front range. Beginning under the iconic ‘Welcome to Golden’ arch and ending with a finish line party and beer garden at Parphet Park, the August 28th event features three scenic routes, offering a full day trip to the mountains. No travel required. If you’re still on the proverbial fence, here are the reasons why you should add this event to your list.

Climb Lookout Mountain on time

Lookout Mountain is one of the most frequented climbers in Colorado’s Front Range. With Strava members alone, his 309,000+ climbs have been featured in the USA Pro Challenge and his classic races in Colorado.all Golden Gran Fondo Course (20, 63, and 91 miles) include tip-time leg of Lookout Mountain. See how we stack up against our competitors!

Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Peak to Peak Highway

Both the Gran (91 miles) and Medio (63 miles) routes incorporate the scenic and challenging climbs of Mountain Base Road through Golden Gate Canyon State Park and stretches of the iconic Peak-to-Peak Highway. I’m here. These roads are usually open to cyclists, but without support and aid stations it can be difficult to link them into a grand ring road.

Compete in safe and fun timed segments

If you’re familiar with traditional road and gravel racing, where start-to-finish timing determines the winner, there are a few things you should know about the Gran Fondo National Series time segment format.

• You don’t have to be in the lead group to set the fastest time. The leading group is often where the fastest riders are, but strategically some riders or teams choose to compete for timed segments on their own. Or just because a flat tire separates you from the lead group doesn’t necessarily mean it will separate you from the race to victory.
• You can regroup between timed segments. In traditional road racing, dropped riders often remain dropped. In time segment races, there is no time penalty for slowing down and regrouping after the end of the time segment. Strategically, it may be advantageous to regroup and work together as you move to the next segment. You can also stop by the aid station without worrying about time.
• You can ride with anyone. The Golden Gran Fondo features a mass start. Men, women and riders of all ages can work together at any time during the event. At most Gran Fondo National Series events, riders use this social opportunity to reunite with friends and teammates of varying speeds and skill levels.

Admission $23 for Juniors and U23 riders

To give young riders more opportunities to participate and compete, the Gran Fondo National Series is offering junior and U23 entries for just $23.Junior and U23 riders can use code to redeem $23 entry U23@GFNS and register (And yes, adults…they check to verify your age).

Team Competition Division

In addition to the podium for age-specific competitions on all routes, there will also be team competitions! Bring your friends, clubs or teams to the Golden Grand His Fond and the top 3 riders’ combined times will count towards their Team His category. A bonus second is deducted from the team’s time each time his member of the team finishes, so the more riders you bring in, the bigger the advantage.

Qualified for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship

Only qualified cyclists are eligible to participate in the 2023 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships.Riders may qualify through results and/or participation Events sponsored by the Suarez Gran Fondo National Series Also partner eventThe most common way to qualify is by finishing in the top 25% of one age group competition in a qualifying event or finishing two qualifying events. For other ways to qualify, visit Gran Fondo National Series website.

Awards, finish line parties and raffle prizes

Each Grand Route Age Group champion will receive a custom winner’s cycling kit from SUAREZ Cycling Clothing. In addition, all riders who complete the Grand Route of the Golden Gran Fondo will receive a finisher medal, and all riders will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The Parfait Park Finish Line Party and Beer Garden set the backdrop for the Golden Gran Fondo. At the end of his great day on the bike, a hot meal and cold beer from Oscar Blues awaits every cyclist.

Riders who stay through the podium ceremony will earn a share of the $5000+ prize pool from series sponsors. This includes the Garda Bike Hotel, Wahoo KICKR smart trainers, ELEMNT Rival GPS watches, Shimano components and Cane’s trip to Italy.Creek and Industry Nine, and far.

https://ift.tt/gMWSX7T The Golden Gran Fondo has a lot to offer. Here’s why.

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