The 2019 GFNY World Championships in New York offered $10,000 to the first rider finishing in under 4 hours.  Lots of riders had $$$ in their eyes at the start – Pro, Cat1, international teams and weekend warriors.

2019 GFNY RACE GRAN FONDO CAMPGANOLO
5000 RIDERS WANT $10,000. ©GFNY

As we predicted, they all came up short, well short of 4 hours.  In fact, the winning time was 4:19:25 at an average speed of 23mph.  That’s 20 minutes and 2mph short of the $10,000 goal.

All day long GFNY never even thought about getting their checkbook out.  The $10,000 offer didn’t help riders overcome physics, it did make for great marketing though.

GFNY gran fondo new york race
SOME GFNY RIDERS JUST TRIED TO BLEND IN. ©GFNY

Nonetheless, the finish was exciting as ex-professional riders Jeremy Bishop (USA) and Ricardo Pichetta (ITA) sprinted for the non-$10,000 victory.  Pichetta did not hold his line and hooked Bishop, forcing Bishop into the inflatable finish banner.  Although Pichetta crossed the finish line first, he was relegated to 2nd place for impeding a rider and Bishop awarded the victory.

In a close women’s race, Jill Patterson (USA) won in 4:31:17 over Camila Cortez (COL) and Janine Meyer (GDR).

The next GFNY event is GFNY Santa Fe in New Mexico, USA on June 23.  For more information read our Gran Fondo Daily News exclusive Ultimate Ride Guide To GFNY Santa Fe with insider tips and course preview.