As the worldwide GFNY franchise wraps-up 2022 with four season ending gran fondos in November, Uruguay hosted GFNY Colonia on a 148 kilometers long course with 1100 meters of vertical ascent on Sunday 6 November.

Although participation was very light with only 130 riders completing the gran fondo race under calm clear blue skies, the racing was fierce.

It was on the 3 kilometer ascent of Cerro San Juan that defending champion and former pro Omar Azzem (OZZ Cycling) attacked with another former pro, Martin Ercila (Squadra Ercila), while a chase group tried in vain to close the gap.

After a string of back-and-forth attacks in the final kilometers, it was Ercila who took the win in a tight sprint finish against Azzem, both credited with a time of 3:53:39. Hernan Taddeo (3:59:14) rounded out the all Argentinian podium, six minutes behind the leaders.

In the women’s competition, Cecilia Caillabet (Ladies Power Shimano) defended her 2021 title in a tight sprint in 4:14:11 against Aldana Cetra (4:14:12). Yanina Balatti (4:24:26) finished in third place. Just like on the men’s podium, Argentinian’s earned all the top positions on the women’s podium.

GFNY will close out 2022 this Sunday 13 November with three races taking place on the same day: the inaugural GFNY Quito Ecuador, the 9th edition of GFNY Cozumel Mexico and the 4th edition of GFNY Chile.

Riders finishing in the top 20% of their age/gender category at GFNY events qualify to start in the front corral at the 2023 GFNY World Championship race taking place in New York City next May. In addition, the overall male and female winners of each GFNY event win a trip to the world championships.

Complete GFNY Colonia results HERE.

Photos/Media: GFNY Colonia