Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 US Gran Fondo National Championships
Cyclists from all over the United States will gather in Asheville, North Carolina on July 17, 2022 to compete for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships – and you could be there, too! Here’s everything you need to know about Gran Fondo Asheville, presented by Applewood Manor, and the Gran Fondo National Championships.
Gran Fondo Asheville is for Everyone
All cyclists are eligible to ride Gran Fondo Asheville, which will have three routes (100, 60, and 30 miles) featuring fun, twisty country roads outside Asheville. The Gran and Medio routes stop at a staffed and stocked aid station in Marshall, NC. Then the Gran riders continue north to climbs on Walnut Gap and Grapevine Road before returning to Asheville for a challenging final ascent of Elk Mountain Scenic Highway. The Medio riders ride from Marshall back to Asheville and tackle Elk Mountain as well. The Piccolo route features rolling hills and a beautiful ride along the French Broad River.
Cyclists who qualify can enter National Championship categories
Only cyclists who qualify may compete for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. Riders can qualify through results and/or participation in Suarez Gran Fondo National Series-owned events or partner events. The most common ways to qualify are by finishing in the top 25% of one age-group competition at a qualifier event or finishing two qualifier events. Additional ways to qualify are described on the Gran Fondo National Series website. View updated list of qualified athletes.
How the National Championship competition works
Gran Fondo National Series pioneered timed segment racing in the United States, and both Gran Fondo Asheville and the 2022 Gran Fondo National Championships feature the timed segment competition format. To win an age-group national championship, a rider must record the fastest combined time through four timed segments on the Gran Route and complete the full course. Start-to-finish time is not recorded or factored into the competition, only segment times.
Age groups for the national championships will range from 14 to 75+ for Men and Women. Riders under 24 years old will race in 14-16, 17-18, or 19-24 age groups. All other groups will be separated into 5-year age brackets (i.e. 25-29, 30-34, 70-74).
Cool facts about timed-segment competitions
If you are more familiar with traditional road and gravel races that determine a winner though start-to-finish timing, here are some things you should know about the timed-segment format:
You don’t need to be in the lead group to set the fastest times. Often, the leading groups are where the fastest riders are, but strategically, some riders and teams choose to contest the timed segments on their own. This also means a mechanical or flat tire that takes you out of the lead group doesn’t necessarily take you out of contention for victory.
You can regroup between timed segments. In traditional road racing, dropped riders often stay dropped. In timed-segment racing, there’s no time penalty for slowing down and regrouping after the finish of a timed segment. Strategically, it may be advantageous to regroup and work together as you ride to the next segment. You can also stop at aid stations without worrying about losing time.
You can ride with anyone. The Gran Fondo National Championships features a mass-start. Men and women and riders across all age categories can work together at any point during the event. At most Gran Fondo National Series events, riders take advantage of this social opportunity to regroup with friends and teammates of varying speed and skill level.
Prizes, Festival, and VIP Experiences
The most coveted prizes available are, of course, official USA Cycling National Championship jerseys! In addition, riders in the Gran Fondo National Championship receive a commemorative participant’s jersey from SUAREZ Cycling. Riders who finish the Gran Route of Gran Fondo Asheville receive finisher medals, and all riders receive a commemorative t-shirt.
The Asheville Bike Festival will form the backdrop for Gran Fondo Asheville and the Gran Fondo National Championships. Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17, at Rabbit Rabbit in downtown Asheville, cyclists and their families and friends can enjoy food and live music and visit a vibrant group of expo exhibitors. Packet pickup on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, along with the event start and finish lines, will be at Rabbit Rabbit.
Riders who stay until the end of the awards ceremony can win a share of more than $5000 in prizes from Series sponsors, including trips to Italy with Garda Bike hotel and Colombia with Movich Cycling, a Wahoo KICKR smart trainer or ELEMNT Rival GPS watch, components from local North Carolina manufacturers Cane Creek and Industry Nine, and much more.
For cyclists who want to make it a very special weekend, Applewood Manor is hosting two VIP Experiences. On Saturday evening, June 16, there will be a VIP Packet Pickup and Gourmet Cookout, including special guests. On Sunday evening, following the events, Applewood Manor will host a VIP Dinner. Swap stories from the day's epic ride over a great meal and hand-picked selections from Applewood's extensive wine cellar. Join Applewood Manor founder Stephen Collins, Series Director Reuben Kline, Gran Fondo National Champions, and special guests. This experience is limited to 40 people and the VIP Cookout is limited to 60 people, so register early!