One race, one day, one big payout for the winner – $10,000 USD.  That’s how it’s always been at the Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Unfortunately, it won’t happen in 2020.

The 12 September race with the biggest gran fondo prize payout in the world has been scrubbed due to a surging COVID-19 virus in Texas – over 10,000 daily cases.

Dallas Cowboys football legend (and now gran fondo cyclist) Emmitt Smith made the difficult announcement via Twitter:

“Our top priority is the safety of our participants, vendors, volunteers & staff. We have been closely monitoring the situation regarding covid-19 & after much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo.”

The event sponsored by Toyota attracts thousands of weekend, celebrity, amateur and professional cyclists, as well as Dallas Cowboy Football fans, from all across North America while raising funds North Texas charities.

The event plans to return in 2021.

Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar