2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Series - Wear the Rainbow Jersey!

More than 350 riders expected at Gran Fondo Brevard

While some will race for trophies and fame, others will simply be riding for the adventure and to support the cause.

But all of the more than 350 riders expected to participate at this weekend’s annual beachside cycling fundraiser, appropriately titled the “Gran Fondo, (which means Big Race in Italian) will be a part of what has become known as “One Big Rolling Party” on the Space Coast.

Riders of all ages and skill levels will set out to complete their choice of two courses from the Crowne Plaza Resort in Indialantic at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday — the Gran Fondo, a route that will offer a challenging 108.6-mile journey through Melbourne and Merritt Island, tracking back eastward to the 520 Causeway, then south on A1A or the Medio Fondo, a 55.7-mile southern scenic coastal course down State Road A1A to Sebastian Inlet and back.

“Each field will likely be diverse,” said Daniel Ciuro, president of Infinity Racing Organization, Inc. and organizer of the event.

“We are expecting many of the best cyclists from all over the country to join us at this third annual fundraiser, one we have seen grow each year.”

The weekend festivities, which start Saturday, with feature a mini training camp hosted by former US World Cycling team member Robbie Ventura. The event, at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, will feature a panel of cycling professionals to include local chiropractor Dr. Robin Pace and six-time Tour de France pro cyclist Kevin Livingston.

The Gran Fondo expo and cycling weekend will benefit the Merritt Island based KLD Youth Foundation, a non-profit Christian organization whose mission is to change lives by educating and empowering young people. Last year, the event raised more than $16,000 for the organization.

The all-inclusive, $155 entry fee for the event will entitle participants to a buffet-style Feed Zone dinner at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday at 7 p.m. and a 5:30 to 7 a.m. breakfast prior to course departure on Sunday, as well as a commemorative Gran Fondo Brevard 2014 T-shirt.

A $1,500 cash prize purse for both the top-five male and female finishers will be awarded at the conclusion of the event on Sunday.

The winners of two custom carbon-fiber bicycles, valued at $3,000 each, donated by Medely, Florida, based manufacturer AG Bicycles also will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza. Tickets for the bicycle raffle can be purchased in advance via the website, www.granfonobrevard.com or at the event at a cost of $20 each.

“We are thrilled to have AG donate these bikes. We expect to sell out the 300 tickets we have allotted for this raffle,” said Ericoa Fedder, spokesperson for the event.

“The winner of each raffle will be able to contact AG Bicycles direct to order their custom, one-of-a-kind bicycle for him/herself.”

Also being raffled off are signed jerseys from former pro cyclists George Hincapie and Christian Vande Velde as well as GNC Nutrition gift baskets.

Riders hit the causeway during a past Gran Fondo Brevard. More than 350 participants are expected for this year's event, taking place this weekend.