GFNY New York City: American gran fondo with a Belgian touch

That the GFNY World Championships NYC (commonly known as GFNY NYC) is a gran fondo that has achieved cult status in the U.S., and certainly far beyond, is beyond question. But the fact that there is a Belgian touch to the race on May 18, 2025, is interesting.

The origin story of New York, which can be traced back to the Netherlands, is widely known. The Dutch origins of the current borough names Harlem (Haarlem) and Brooklyn (Breukelen) are easy to guess. But the fact that it was a group of Walloon families in 1624, together with the Dutch, who founded a settlement on what is now Manhattan Island (well before Belgium existed), is less well known. Except among the Belgian community in New York and one of New York’s most famous Belgian cyclists: Filip Vanden Bulcke, Consul General of Belgium.

The bike opens doors

2024 was a special year for Filip in New York, a city with not only a long historical relationship but also a significant contemporary Belgian presence in various sectors: business, finance, culture, and more. As Consul General, it is his duty to promote Belgian interests in the broadest sense.

"The GFNY NYC and the GranPremio New York City in May were perfect events to further promote an important Belgian export product—the cycling culture and industry," Filip begins. According to Filip, the unique character, perfect setting, and professional organization of GFNY align seamlessly with Belgium’s reputation among many Americans as a mythical cycling nation. "The combination of my work as a diplomat and my love for the sport opens many doors for win-win collaborations. But it also brings people together. For example, as the Belgian Consulate, we organized a networking event a few days before the GFNY NYC, where the Belgian cycling industry presented itself to an American audience. It was a great success."

New York cycling community

That the conversations at the Belgian residence also frequently revolved around the Sunday race was obvious, especially since several Belgian professional teams participated. Filip didn’t need to shy away from those discussions. With a ninth-place finish in the M45-49 amateur category, he could hold his head high on Sunday. "I try to stick to my training schedule seriously, despite my busy agenda," says Filip. "The cycling community in the U.S. revolves around social rides and group rides. It’s no different in New York. But Central Park, for instance, is also great for solo training. The Park Perimeter with Harlem Hill is a popular loop, well-known even from Zwift. Definitely a must-do if you’re in New York," he adds.

A trip to New York to ride the GFNY NYC is really a no-brainer. It’s a bucket-list event—not just because of its iconic nature in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, but also because the organization is excellent. From closing roads to the lively festival atmosphere at the finish line. "A day to never forget," describes Filip with a sparkle in his eyes. "But don’t underestimate the course! It has an Ardennes-like character, and the first fifteen kilometers along River Road, following the banks of the Hudson, are raced full throttle by most participants—it’s a real competition!"

Filip’s Must-Do’s when you're in New York

• Riding the GFNY NYC is, of course, the absolute number one. A gran fondo with cult status needs little explanation. But if you’re still in doubt, you can read more about it here.
• Early morning laps through Central Park. Come early and make sure you’re out by 8:30 AM before the tourists arrive. The popular Park Perimeter loop is ten kilometers with one hundred meters of elevation—perfect for a solid workout.
• Try joining a group ride. They come in all shapes and sizes. GFNY organizes several social rides in the week leading up to the event. A good group captain knows the fun and quieter routes, allowing you to ride relatively worry-free in traffic. Tip: always have a rear light on your bike.
• A city bike tour with a Dutch-speaking guide. You’ll see so much more by bike, and the guide will also point out great spots for snacks and drinks.
• New York offers world cuisine from every corner of the globe. Let yourself be surprised in one of the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods.

So grab that bright green marker, circle May 18, 2025, on your calendar, and head to New York!

GFNY New York City in brief

• Date: May 18, 2025.
• Location: George Washington Bridge / Fort Lee, New York (USA).
• Gran fondo with rankings in various age categories / Official GFNY World Championship.
• Details, travel and accommodation information, and registration? Check the GFNY website.
• Coming as a group of five or more? GFNY offers special group rates—contact GFNY via support@gfny.com.