Palisades, N.Y. — The Gran Fondo New York (GFNY) World Championship cycling race is set to return to Rockland County on Sunday, May 17, bringing thousands of cyclists, support crews, spectators, and visitors through parts of the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey.
The international cycling event, now in its 14th year, is expected to draw riders from more than 90 countries, according to organizers. The race begins at the George Washington Bridge before traveling north through Bergen County and into Rockland County along Route 9W and surrounding roads. (nyc.gfny.com)
Organizers describe GFNY as both a professional-level competition and a mass participation endurance event. Riders compete in age-group categories while professional cyclists participate in the separately sanctioned Gran Premio New York City race, which takes place on the same course shortly before the amateur field begins. (gfny.com)
The Rockland County portion of the course passes through the historic Palisades region and includes sections of Route 9W that are well known among cyclists for their elevation changes and scenic views of the Hudson River. Riders eventually return south toward the finish line in Fort Lee, New Jersey. (nyc.gfny.com)
According to GFNY officials, the event has expanded from a single New York race founded in 2011 into a worldwide series that now includes events across North America, Europe, Latin America, and other international locations. The New York event remains the organization’s flagship championship race. (gfny.com)
This year’s event will again include the GFNY Pro Series, featuring approximately 20 professional and club cycling teams from the United States, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Europe, and other regions. The professional race is sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the international governing body for cycling. (gfny.com)
Race organizers say the event is designed to create a “Pro For a Day” atmosphere for amateur cyclists through full road support, chip timing, police-controlled intersections, medical services, and organized race infrastructure. (gfny.com)
The return of GFNY is expected to have both economic and logistical impacts on Rockland County. Hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and local businesses along the race corridor often experience increased activity during race weekend as competitors and their families travel to the area.
At the same time, the event typically results in temporary traffic delays and lane restrictions along sections of Route 9W and nearby roads throughout the day. Organizers and local officials are advising motorists to plan ahead and expect periodic disruptions between approximately 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on race day. (rocklandtimes.com)
Community response to the race has historically been mixed. Supporters point to tourism, international visibility, and economic benefits for the region, while some residents have expressed frustration in past years over traffic congestion and travel delays created by road closures and police-controlled intersections.
GFNY officials say safety coordination with local municipalities and law enforcement agencies remains a major operational focus for the event. The organization states that race support includes aid stations, mechanical assistance, medical personnel, and volunteer crews positioned throughout the course. (gfny.com)
The event is also expected to attract spectators along portions of Route 9W in communities including Palisades and other areas of Orangetown.
Additional information, including course maps and race schedules, is available through GFNY’s official event website. (nyc.gfny.com)