Under sunny Florida skies last Sunday, cyclists from across the country converged for Gran Fondo Florida, the opening qualifier of the 2026 USA Gran Fondo National Championships. For the older generations, it was an opportunity to prove that age is no barrier to speed — or victory.
The amateur event drew a competitive field of 250 cyclists racing past orange groves over four timed segments — not the entire 100-mile route — with riders aiming to qualify for the national championship by finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender category.
44-year-old masters competitor Justin Jordan of Winter Park, Florida claimed the men’s overall title, clocking 39:44.84 across the four segments at a speedy 28.72 mph average. He held off a strong challenge from Ken Vida, 50, by just 6.78 seconds. Third place went to a genetically gifted 65-year-old and multiple USA National Champion — Douglas Pomeranz of California — who stopped the clock at 40:07.44. Youngster Cody Sandford, 31, finished fourth at 40:12.49, with Tim Janssen, 38, rounding out the top five at 40:15.34.
On the women’s side, 48-year-old veteran racer Jeanine Seeger of Boynton Beach, Florida also delivered a win for the masters crew with a blazing 40:17.35 at 28.37 mph — finishing seventh overall. The podium was completed by Kate Stratman, 38, in second at 41:21.43, followed by Jessica Rocheleau, 33, at 43:48.68.
Qualifiers now set their sights on the National Championship race taking place 20 September at Gran Fondo Maryland, where the battle for stars and stripes jerseys begins in earnest.
Complete 2026 Gran Fondo Florida results HERE
Photo Credit: Facebook/alphacyclingflorida
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