One of the most popular gran fondo’s in the United States, Levi Leipheimer’s Gran Fondo on 30 May 2021 in California, has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to coronavirus.

“COVID-19 case load remains extremely high across the nation, and the promise of normalcy is vague and elusive,” the event stated when announcing cancellation via social media.

The announcement also indicated the event plans to keep all entry fees ($150 – $350 per rider) and will not be issuing refunds. Registrations will, however, be forwarded to a future event with an unknown date.

The event usually sells-out early every year and attracts up to 5000 riders who pay approximately $1,000,000 in non-refundable entry fees.

Unfortunately, this seems like another unethical event organiser opting to keep 100% of entry fees after deciding to cancel.  This practice has become all too common during the pandemic as we’ve reported on before.

Leipheimer, who raced professionally alongside Lance Armstrong on the US Postal Service team, won the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Tour of California races before being suspended by the United States Anti-Doping Agency in 2012 for long-term involvement in doping.

Worldwide Gran Fondo and Gravel Event Calendar