Two-Day Malibu GRANFONDO Expands Offering to Include One-Day and Three-Day Options
Limited Places Left as Invitational Sells Out in Advance!
The 2019 Gran Fondo National Series officially begins at the Malibu GRANFONDO on March 15-17, 2019. With three unique events planned across the long weekend, riders can choose the events that best suit their calendar.
Founded by Scott Johnson of Serious Cycling, the Malibu GRANFONDO has traditionally been a two-day cycling event. New for 2019, as a part of the Gran Fondo National Series, there are three choices: a one-day gran fondo option, the traditional two-day option, and the 3-day Malibu Invitational by Haute Route.
One-Day Malibu GRANFONDO – Saturday, March 16, 2019
Saturday’s Malibu GRANFONDO features a 151-kilometer Classico course and a 106-kilometer Medio course. Both start and finish at the luxurious Four Seasons Westlake Village. Heading west from Westlake Village, CA, both routes ride through rolling farmland for the first 20 miles. There, the Classico riders turn right to head out on a loop through scenic horse farms, while the Medio riders turn left and head for the beach.
Both routes feature about 20 miles of riding along the coast on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Riders will roll through the town of Malibu, CA before heading up the biggest challenge of the day: Latigo Canyon. This 7-mile climb ascends about 2,000 feet with an average grade of 5.1 percent. However, within that average grade there are steep pitches to challenge riders’ legs.
The climbing isn’t entirely over at the top of Latigo Canyon. After the initial climb there is another 6 miles featuring some big rolling hills that add up to another 750 feet of elevation gain (and loss).
After enjoying pro-level support and real-food aid stations on course, a gourmet brunch awaits riders when they reach the finish line. From the beginning, the Malibu GRANFONDO has been known for great hospitality, professional support, and incredible food.
Two-Day Malibu GRANFONDO Complete Experience – Sat-Sun, March 16-17, 2019
The two-day Malibu GRANFONDO Complete Experience includes Saturday’s ride, adds a bevy of post-ride amenities, and features a 35-kilometer recovery ride on Sunday morning. To stay close to the action, riders are encouraged to stay at the Four Seasons Westlake Village, which has also provided special event pricing to participants.
Post-ride amenities on Saturday include massage, bike wash and valet, an evening wine reception and a bottle of California wine, and more.
Three-Day Malibu Invitational by Haute Route – Fri-Sun, March 15-17, 2019
SOLD OUT, the Malibu Invitational is three days of long rides with pro-level support and amenities. Created by Haute Route, owner of the Gran Fondo National Series, this special opportunity is limited to 50 riders and modeled on their successful 3-day Haute Route events worldwide.
Stage 1 on Friday will be 109 kilometers with climbing in the Santa Monica Mountains. For Stage 2, Invitational riders will join the peloton for the Malibu GRANFONDO Classico route. And Stage 3 will be a 67-kilometer route that rolls out Mulholland Highway to a two-part timed section in the Piuma Hill area. On Stages 1 and 2, riders will have the option of riding Compact routes, a new feature for 3-day Haute Route events that allows for shorter routes and less climbing.
