Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo selected as North America's 2017 UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifier
The Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo has been selected as the qualifier in the United States for the 2017 Union Cycliste Internationale Gran Fondo World Championship in Paris
Jacksonville, Alabama, October 16th - “We are absolutely thrilled,” said Brooke Nelson, Cheaha Challenge ride director, speaking to the press.
Nelson said she learned that UCI staff were impressed with the popularity of the Challenge among riders, safety of the race, community involvement and riders support groups.
“We already had several international riders. That’s always wonderful, but this will attract more attention from across the world,” Nelson said.
Nelson said ridership in the Challenge only stands to increase, and with that will come the need to adjust the number of race jerseys and food for rest stops, but that “it’s a great problem to have.”
One thing that won’t need to be adjusted is the more than 400 volunteers that help make the Challenge a success, Nelson said.
“And to have it here in Calhoun County,” Nelson said. “It thrills me to invite other people to come experience what I've known all my life. How beautiful Alabama is, and especially Calhoun County.”
Tom Nelson, president of the Northeast Alabama Bicycling Association, said that he was thrilled with the news.
“This is awesome. They’ve had qualifiers in around 15 countries in the world, but we haven't had one in the United States,” Nelson said.
UCI staff approached Challenge race organizers last spring, and bidding for the qualifying Gran Fondo ended in August.
“It’s just going to bring our ride to a whole new level,” Nelson said. “Now we’ll be drawing from other countries...At some point it’s going to start bringing in European teams.”
Participants of the Century ride on May 21, 2017 will earn qualification to enter the World Championship if they place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their age group or are in the top 25% of their age group.