Some of the world’s most famous professional cyclists turned up at Rich and George Hincapie’s Gran Fondo in Greenville, South Carolina USA on Saturday. With a last minute pivot, the event was turned into a $1MM USD charity fundraiser for Hurricane Helene relief in nearby Polk county.

Attendees included Tour de France stars Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, Jan Ulrich, Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde, George Hincapie and NFL star quarterback Brett Favre, as well as just under 1800 amateur cyclists.

Riding multiple laps on a new 19-mile course just outside Greenville, the event did not take away from ongoing hurricane recovery resources in North and South Carolina.

In the 76 mile Gran Fondo event it was a familiar looking Men’s podium, with former Colombian pro Diego Ruiz, 30, repeating his victory from last year in 3:16:49. Jeff Case (3:18:28) was second, improving one place from last year. Multiple UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Bruce Bird (3:21:42) dropped to the bottom podium step.

UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Amy Phillips of the USA won the women’s competition in 3:44:45, followed by Emma Frost (3:48:40) and Katie Prowell (3:57:38).

Mitch Hopkins won the shorter Men’s Medio Fondo in 2:43:54, with Amanda Hodges taking the Women’s Medio Fondo in 2:48:38.

With a $10,000 cash prize list, the Hincapie Junior Challenge saw Americans Peyton Perckel and Reagen Pattishall win for the men and women respectively.

Complete Hincapie Gran Fondo Results HERE.

Photo Credit: Facebook/granfondohincapie

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