Homegrown Gravel Adventure, Franklin GA - February 22nd 2025
United States | Southeast | California >> Brower and Schaap fastest at Grand Rapids Gran Fondo

Brower and Schaap fastest at Grand Rapids Gran Fondo

Over 1,400 cyclists celebrated the return of the Grand Rapids Gran Fondo this weekend in Michigan

Tris4Health organizers of events including the Grand Rapids Triathlon, Michigan Titanium, Waterloo G+G  continued the tradition of the previous event the MSU Grna Fondo in perfect style!

The charity-focused challenge included four routes for cyclists of any skill level, the aame downtown Grand Rapids start/finish and an anparalleled Finish Line Festival with music, craft beer, gourmet food and vendor booths!

Keeping with tradition, the ride had a 80 mile Gran Fondo, 40 mile Medio Fondo and 25 mile Piccolo Fondo plus a 12 mile family focussed community ride.

Celebrity riders Christian Vande Velde and Brent Bookwalter led out the 80-mile course early in the morning.

Celebrity riders, Christian Vande Velde and Brent Bookwalter led out the 80-mile course early in the morning.

In the 80 mile Gran Fondo, David Brower was fastest in a time of 3h 25m 48s ahead of Steve Gardon and Justin Postma. In the women's category, Amanda Schaap was fastest in a time of 3h 27m 19s ahead of Elizabeth Defauw and Mary Reichardt. 

In the 40 mile Medio Fondo, Matthew Ohl was fastest in a time of 1h 34m 23s and for the women, Addison Forrester was fastest in a time of 1h 54m 44s.

In the 25 mile Piccolo Fondo, Brett Butler was fastest in a time of 1h 4m 7s and for the women, Patsy Mcgowan was fastest in a time of 1h 20m 48s.

Organizers Tris4Health commented afterwards,  "We did it! We brought the BIG RIDE BACK! We could not have asked for a better return of the Gran Rapid Gran Fondo presented by KeyBank. Thank you to every rider, sponsor, volunteer and spectator who joined us as we saw 1,400 cyclists take over downtown GR! Now that we are back, we are staying! 2023 is in the books, we’ll see you next year!"

Local rider Larry Strayhorn commented afterwards, "Well done. I’ve done all 9 Fondos. This was the best. Thanks! BTW the officers that helped did a fantastic job !!!!"

Link to 2023 Grand Rapids Gran Fondo results: https://www.sportstats.one/display-results.xhtml?raceid=128805