14th Annual Gran Fondo Hincapie Greenville Draws 2,000+ Riders, Raises Over $900,000 for Polk County Hurricane Relief

More than 2,000 cyclists from across the United States and abroad converged on Polk County for the 14th Annual Gran Fondo Hincapie–Greenville, celebrating cycling, community and recovery amid the fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The weekend-long festival not only offered scenic routes for riders of all abilities but also raised over $900,000 for the Polk County Community Foundation to support families and local businesses affected by last year’s hurricane.

The event weekend kicked off with a VIP “Evening with the Stars” dinner presented by The Cliffs, featuring Michelin-starred lead Chef Matthew Accarrino and top Culinary Masters with special guests including the Hincapie family and cycling legends Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde and many more famous faces.

The event weekend kicked off with a VIP “Evening with the Stars” dinner presented by The Cliffs

The elegant opening night set the tone for a festival that blended world-class hospitality with grassroots community spirit. Hotel Domestique’s grounds hosted a lively Expo with live music, family-friendly activities, food and drinks, celebrity appearances, and local vendors that highlighted Polk County’s vibrant culture.

Michelin-starred lead Chef Matthew Accarrino and top Culinary Masters

“We’re deeply moved by the generosity of our riders and supporters,” said George Hincapie, founder of Hincapie Events and former professional cyclist. “This year’s Gran Fondo is more than just a ride; it’s a testament to our community’s resilience and to what can be achieved when people come together to help neighbors in need. We’re proud to deliver these funds to the Polk County Community Foundation to aid recovery and long-term rebuilding.”

2025 Gran Fondo Hincapie–Greenville Start with George and friends

Friday’s activities included packet pickup and community gatherings in sunny weather, culminating in the popular SRAM Happy Hour and a second Celebrity Chef Dinner the evening before the rides. Saturday and Sunday featured four fully supported routes designed for all skill levels, allowing participants to experience the region’s scenic roads while contributing to relief efforts. Riders and volunteers alike praised the event organization, route safety, and the palpable sense of purpose that underscored every mile.

Gran and Medio courses and includes the legendary climb of Skyuka

The funds raised will be distributed through the Polk County Community Foundation to address immediate needs—such as housing repairs, small-business recovery grants, and family support—and to help build resilience against future disasters. Local officials and nonprofit partners were on site throughout the weekend to provide information on relief programs and to thank donors and participants for their support.

The Polk County Community came out to say a Massive thank you!

The weather on the day of the ride was sunny and warm with many people having to take extra hydration and salts on board to cope with the heat, as George commented after the weekend "It's all about the challenge!".

14th Annual Gran Fondo Hincapie Greenville Draws 2,000+ Riders,

Gran Fondo Hincapie–Greenville is an annual cycling festival founded by George Hincapie that brings together amateur and experienced cyclists to celebrate the sport, support local communities and showcase the scenic beauty of the Southeast. The event features multiple route options, community expos, celebrity appearances, and curated culinary events to create a weekend-long festival for cyclists and families.

The 2025 Gran Fondo Hincapie–Greenville was awarded "Best Charity Fondo in North America" by Gran Fondo Guide in it's annual awards every New Year's Day.