Boone-tastic Gran Fondo
The course rolled out of the cool college town of Boone nestled in the Western Carolina Appalachian Mountains. The scenery was unparalleled with grand vistas sometimes stretching 100 miles.
With category and a team prizes on offer, riders battled it out on the timed climbs.
Matthew Champion from Brevard, NC was fastest up Winklers Creek.
Matt Zimmer from De Witt, IA who rides for Lees-McRae Cycling Team was fastest up Blue Ridge Parkway, Beech Mountain and Beaver Dam.
Overall Matt Zimmer was fastest just ahead of Matthew Champion and Tristian Cowie for the men and Jenny Leiser fastest ahead of Beni Thompson and Rach Mond.
The fastest team was Ally's Bar including Matthew Champion, Tristian Cowie, Bryan Hoy and Taylor Little.
Second fastest team was Team Maria including Noah Niwinski, Paul Capua, Victor Hernandez and Nat Dunn.
Michael D. Parsons commented "Crossed it the Eastern Continental Divide twice today, the Boone Gran Fondo - a perfect ride"
Coach Timothy Hall from Beech Mountain, North Carolina commented "Big day in the High Country. Very cool event. Average uphill segment times but 3rd overall finisher in the 100 mile. Solo off front from mile 10 until mile 80 when Zimmer caught and passed me. Then at mile 90 I got passed by Savre."
Full Results - http://my3.raceresult.com/59136
Tim' s Ride on Strava https://www.strava.com/activities/668324829#_=_
The next event in the Giordana GFNCS series is the Golden Gran Fondo, August 28th. One of the toughest one day Gran Fondo's in America with around 10,000 feet of climbing through Colorado's Rocky Mountains. With up to four timed climbs, cyclists can compete for a range of prizes. Experience the Coors Classic and American Flyers - all in one day! Here's our preview of the climbs.
The Golden Gran Fondo was rated by Gran Fondo Guide as one of the hardest Gran Fondos in the US.