Stefan Judex, 57, claimed victory in the 100km Gran Fondo at the 2026 Battenkill on Saturday 9 May 2026, finishing the mixed-terrain classic in Cambridge, New York, USA in 3:01:05 — but the story of the day was who was chasing him, and the conditions they battled through.
Rain cold and mud turned Washington County’s dirt roads into a survival test. Riders arrived at the finish line caked head to toe, bikes barely recognisable beneath the grime. On a course already known for its difficulty, the weather removed any remaining margin for error.
Second place went to Ren Huston, just 16 years old, 1 minute 23 seconds back. Fourth overall was Daniel Levy, also 16, finishing in 3:03:53 — 2 minutes 47 seconds behind the winner. Battenkill’s Gran Fondo podium featured a 57-year-old champion flanked by teenagers four decades his junior, with Bradley DeMarco (31) splitting the two youngsters in third, 2 minutes 1 second off the pace. The 41-year age gap between winner and runner-up may be the most striking statistic Battenkill has produced in years.
In the elite women’s 100km race, Aubrey Drummond (23) took victory in 3:07:36, with Galen Bolard (32) second and Megan Guarnier (40) third — all credited with the same time after hours of racing in brutal conditions.
On the longer 169km elite men’s route, Christopher Prendergast (31) and teammate Adem Aricanli (21) of Jamison Racing Team rolled across the line together in 4:24:47, with the win going to Prendergast. Otis Engel (19) of Meridian Racing finished third, 1 minute 47 seconds back.
Now in its 20th edition, Battenkill is billed as America’s Queen of the Classics. The Gran Fondo covers 100km with 5,500 feet of elevation gain, while also incorporating 18 miles of gravel that pitches up to 18%. In Saturday’s conditions every finisher — amateur or elite — earned the utmost respect.
Photo Credit: Anthem Sports
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