Gran Fondo National Series Returns to Asheville in 2022

For the second year, the Gran Fondo National Series will hold the annual Gran Fondo Asheville, presented by Applewood Manor, cycling event, which includes the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship competition.

The July 17 event reached its capacity of 1,000 cyclists in 2021, and the 2022 edition is on track to sell out. New this year, the road cycling event will include the 2-day Asheville Bike Fest, presented by Cane Creek, at Rabbit Rabbit on July 16-17, showcasing local outdoor companies and national cycling brands and featuring family-friendly activities for all ages.

“Although Gran Fondo Asheville is an annual event, we are proud to bring the National Championship component to Asheville for a second year in a row, and expand the event with the Asheville Bike Fest,” said Series Director Reuben Kline. “We decided to keep the National Championship in Asheville for 2022 because of community support and rider feedback.”

The Asheville Bike Fest benefits local non-profit Asheville on Bikes. The Gran Fondo Asheville event has a long history of working with local businesses and partners, along with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. The event’s presenting sponsor, Applewood Manor, is hosting pre-event group rides and VIP Experiences on the event weekend.

Founded in 2012, the Gran Fondo National Series is the largest and most competitive series of gran fondo cycling events in the United States. Cyclists will depart from Rabbit Rabbit between 8:00-8:30am to ride their choice of a 100-, 60-, or 30-mile route (view route maps) that takes them into the hills, valleys, and mountains around northwest of Asheville.

Groups or individuals who want to help riders have a great experience at Gran Fondo Asheville can volunteer in a variety of areas, including course marshal, registration, and aid stations.