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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> 2016 Hincapie Gran Fondo LIVE STREAMING

2016 Hincapie Gran Fondo was LIVE STREAMED

Live video with renowned race commentator Chad Andrews, took media coverage of U.S. Gran Fondo to whole new level

Over 2,300 cyclists took part in this year's Hincapie Gran Fondo on a fine windy autumn day in upstate North Carolina on Saturday, through the backroads of Greenville County in the fifth annual Gran Fondo Hincapie 

Well known professional riders from the past, present and future enjoyed 3 routes. The Piccolo 15 miles, the Medio at 50 miles and the full Gran Fondo of 80 miles with around 8,100 feet of climbing.

In true style, George Hincapie rode the Gran Fondo along with retired Pro riders Christian Vande Velde, Erik Zabel and Bobby Julich.

The event was packed with free food, drinks and live music for adults and children, before during and after the ride, making it a great day out for the whole family including a kids Fondo.

A few notable VIPs were NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth who rode the full 80 mile Gran Fondo.

Well known present day Pro riders were along for the ride, notably USA Olympic and BMC Racing Team Pro Cyclist Brent Bookwalter. Brent’s partner Jamie rode and came second in the women’s Gran Fondo prize category.

Other well-known Pro cyclists Rob Carpenter from Hincapie Racing Team rode as well as Matt Busche from United Health Care Pro cycling team - to name a few.

Live action was provided via livestream.com on the internet and jumbo screens in Trade Street, Tryon and at the start/finish at Hotel Domestique, so fans could watch the entire race. Gran Fondo Guide also live streamed the entire race and had over 1,000 race fans come visit, at one point over 300 people concurrently.

More than 200 promotional cowbells were be given out to local fans to help cheer on the riders. St. Luke’s Plaza in Tryon, just over the South Carolina state line, in North Carolina was the center of attention for Tryon residents and tourists as the cyclists stop for water, restrooms and a support station. The band Silver Travis played live music and Tryon Tourism’s welcome booth was handing out free pickles and “flat” cola (known to reduce cramping).

George Hincapie showed that he’s still in good shape, opening up on the second climb and pulling away to be re-joined at the top. George took time to meet and greet the thousands of cyclists at the feed stations.

Riders were all rewarded for their efforts enjoying amazing views, especially at the top of the KOM climb of Skyuka Mountain.

8 years old Enzo Hincapie out sprinted his dad on the line after riding many of the final milesHincapie’s son Enzo, a keen cyclist, got to ride in the front group in the final miles with Brent Bookwalter and Christian Vande Velde leading the way. Enzo outsprinted his dad on the line to take the bunch sprint.

NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth were whisked away by helicopter after completing the ride in just over 4 hours and 40 minutes. Both had a pressing engagement - they had to get to Talladega in time for qualifying!

Testament to the event’s appeal and that of Gran Fondo’s across the whole of North America, there was a 56 percent increase in entries and more than 48 percent of the entrants riding the race for the first time.

Proceeds from the ride continue to benefit Greenville County’s Meals on Wheels.

We do know that Conor Schunk, won the Gran Fondo and a new Canyon Bike presented by cycling Legend Erik Zabel.

So did Debbie Milne who won the women’s Gran Fondo category and a new Canyon Bike too. Jamie Bookwater was second ahead of Paolina Allan.

Thank you to all those that followed and re-tweeted including Hincapie Sportswear, commentator Chad Andrews and Steve Fleck.

Chapeau to the Hincapie Gran Fondo team. An amazing day made even more unique by providing incredible insight into the event via Chad Andrews and the live streaming film crew.

Official Results should be available soon at http://granfondohincapie.com

Hincapie Sportswear @hincapiesports 21h Congratulations to Conor Schunk, who won the #granfondohincapie Gran ... and a @canyon_bikes bike #inittowinit #finishline @conorschunk1Hincapie Sportswear @hincapiesports 21h Debbie Milne rocked the Gran at #granfondohincapie ... and for that, she gets a @canyon_bikes bike. #finishline #inittowinitWyatt Cartwright Capping off a great day with good food and a bottle of tedwardwines Here I am with the REAL star of the day! My amazing wife @paolinaallan - 3rd place cc @thevelofix #granfondohincapie Thx @hincapiesports
2016 Hincapie Gran Fondo was LIVE STREAMED