Gran Premio New York City
18 May 2025
GFNY World Championship NYC
18 May 2025
GFNY Grand Ballon 2025 is part of the TROPHÉE LABEL D'OR de la Fédération Française DeCyclisme calendar. Organization, sporting interest, this label rewards high quality events
Nestled at the foothills of the Vosges mountains, the town of Thann has a rich heritage that earned it the title as one of the 100 most beautiful destinations of France (Les Plus Beaux Détours de France). The historic town center is spread around the St-Thiébaut collegiate church, a jewel of Gothic architecture. As you stroll along the narrow streets, you will discover 16th century houses, fountains, oriel windows, towers and fortifications dating from the 14th and 15th centuries and the embankments of the Thur River.
Charming villages are set throughout the heart of two valleys in southern Alsace. The routes will lead you to waterfalls and mountain lakes, and will offer you a panorama and a breathtaking landscapes of the Alsace plain to the Bernese Alps. You will be able to take in the beauty of the mountain range by crisscrossing the ridge route.
Thann lies at the start of the 170km Alsace Wine Route and boasts a wine-growing tradition and exceptional vineyards. The route shows idyllic landscapes, cultural highlights and, of course, the vineyards themselves. Set on steep sides of mountains, the unique vineyards produce some of the world’s most remarkable vintages.
The medium course of GFNY Grand Ballon will take you through the heart of the scenic Balloons des Vosges Nature Park, to the top of the mythical Grand Ballon, and back.
The race starts from the historic center of Thann, at the gateway to the Alsace wine route. The climbing starts 1km into the race, up the little-known climb Le Plan Diebold, just before joining the ascent of the mythical Grand Ballon. Grand Ballon is highest point of the Vosges Mountains and its road culminates at 1325m.
At the top of the mountain, you will turn around and descend via Viel Armand, a place of historical significance from the First World War. The descent will lead you through Cernay before taking the Thann Road and completing the race. Beware of the headwind and stay with a group, your determination to reach the finish line will help you get through this flat section.
Make no mistake, we are in the middle of the mountains with the well-known climbs of the Tour de France will leave you very little respite, but the breathtaking views on the Vosges Balloons and the magnificent Alsace Plain will make you forget the challenges.
Back in Thann, a festive post-race celebration and meal await you. Celebrate your accomplishment in the historic center of Thann after a day of enjoying the surrounding nature.
MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time, but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.
THE JERSEY: All riders receive the official GFNY Grand Ballon race jersey, which is mandatory attire at the race. The jersey is designed in NYC and Made in Italy.
CHIP TIMING: GFNY Grand Ballon is a timed race. Each athlete has their own timing chip, which starts right after you cross the start line and stops when you cross the finish line. Timing results will be available at gfny.cc/results.
FINISHER MEDAL: Every GFNY Grand Ballon finisher receives a medal, no matter which distance they complete. All finishers also earn a “Finish” towards their 3x2025 GFNY medal or the 10x medal. Go to gfny.com/medals for more information on GFNY’s multi-finisher medals.
What are your GFNY goals?
Podium!
Qualify (finish in the top 10% of my age group)
Improve my time
Finish the race
29 Sep 2024
06 Oct 2024
06 Oct 2024
20 Oct 2024
20 Oct 2024
03 Nov 2024
10 Nov 2024
24 Nov 2024
16 Feb 2025
16 Mar 2025
16 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
13 Apr 2025
04 May 2025
04 May 2025
25 May 2025
08 Jun 2025
15 Jun 2025
22 Jun 2025
20 Jul 2025
27 Jul 2025
17 Aug 2025
23 Aug 2025
24 Aug 2025
31 Aug 2025