GFNY, the worldwide amateur cycling series, held two gran fondo events this past weekend – GFNY Punta del Este in Uruguay and GFNY República Dominicana near the white sand beaches of Punta Cana.
At GFNY Punta del Este in Uruguay, the 172 kilometre race with 1700 metres climbing and 168 participants came down to sprint finishes in both the women’s and men’s categories.
For the women, Brazilian National time trial champion Tamire Radatz edged out American Jill Patterson to take the win in 5:09:34. Argentina´s Cecilia Caillabet rounded out the podium.
29 year-old former Argentinian pro rider Omar Azzem outsprinted Brazilians André Gohr and Diones Chinelatto, clocking in at 4:47:25 to claim the men’s trophy.
As newly crowned South American GFNY champions, Radatz and Azzem were awarded all-inclusive paid trips to compete at the GFNY World Championship on 15 May 2022 in New York City.
At the second edition of GFNY República Dominicana near the white sand beaches of Punta Cana, athletes from over 20 countries rode a challenging 149 kilometre course with 962 metres of climbing, but the 30km headwind finishing stretch from Macao to Punta Cana was the most difficult.
In the women’s race, it was a Dominican sweep with Marlies Mejia who took first place in 3:36:56, followed by Juana Fernandez and Flor Espiritusanto.
Elvys Reyes from Puerto Rico won the men’s race in 3:32:52, followed by Leonardo Mazara and Joel García.
Next up, GFNY Cannes opens the European season on Sunday 27 March alongside the sunny Mediterranean coast of France.
Complete GFNY race results HERE.
PHOTOS: GFNY
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 