GFNY Championship next weekend in New York goes Belgian

This year, the 13th annual Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC and the 2nd Gran Premio NYC bring a full dose of Belgian cycling culture to the world’s biggest cycling race

From world-class riders and climb namings to Belgian waffles and cultural collaboration, the 2025 edition will be steeped in the cycling-rich heritage of Belgium.

Before the races: Diplomacy Meets the Peloton

The Belgian Consulate General in New York started a partnership with GFNY last year to strengthen cultural ties to promote Belgian Cycling culture and industry in the USA. Ahead of the race, the Consulate will again host a networking event, showcasing Belgian cycling to the US and international audience, fostering cultural exchange and industry connections.

At the races: A Belgian atmosphere

The Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship NYC course has long been dubbed the “most western Ardennes classic”. This has been confirmed by the Belgian pros of Team Lotto Dstny and Alpecin Deceuninck after having raced the inaugural Gran Premio New York City held on the same course and at the same time as GFNY.

Steep, punchy climbs like La Redoute and Côte de la Roche aux Faucons are notoriously steep and require a lot of power over a short distance, much like the steep sections of Cheesecote and Gate Hill on the GFNY/GP NYC course.

Three key climbs in this year’s race have been given Belgian-themed names, inspired by the legendary terrain of the Ardennes Classics:

- Alpine becomes Muur van Alpine: For the 2025 GFNY NYC, the Alpine climb will be renamed “Muur van Alpine”, inspired by Belgium’s iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen. This is the first significant ascent of the race course and it is set in Alpine, New Jersey.

- Gate Hill becomes Côte de la Porte, with a classic European flair: This new name gives a nod to Belgium’s iconic cycling culture, with “Côte” meaning “hill” or “slope” in French, and “Porte” referencing the original name “Gate.” Known for its punishing gradients and key role in the race, Côte de la Porte now carries a European flair.

- Cheesecote becomes Côte de Fromage: the iconic Cheesecote climb has been given a fun, thematic makeover to become the Côte de Fromage. It starts out with a very steep incline and while it tapers off quickly, the road conditions have mostly been “Belgian” (rough!) over the years. It’s a tricky climb that has been decisive for the outcome of the races in most years.

The Belgian personalities, athletes, and ambassadors

Michelob ULTRA GFNY World Championship New York and Gran Premio New York City are honored to welcome a group of prominent Belgian personalities, athletes, and ambassadors of cycling culture, including:

- Jan Bakelants, former Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey holder turned cycling pundit
- Sven Nys, cyclo-cross legend and two-time world champion turned pro team owner
- Geert Noels, economist and founder of Econopolis, an avid cyclist and author.
- Ward Wauters, rising star and second-place finisher at GFNY Cannes 2025, racing for Pro Team GFNY at GP NYC.

Their presence underscores Belgium’s deep-rooted connection to cycling, adding prestige and international flair to GFNY NYC.

Belgium’s Best: Alpecin-Deceuninck back at GP NYC

Belgian pro team Alpecin-Deceuninck is back at Gran Premio New York City to defend the title of 2024 champ Tibor del Grosso.

“We’re once more bringing a lineup of riders who love to race aggressively and go for the win,” says Team owner Philip Roodhooft. “The course suits our racing style perfectly. Attacking is rewarded, and that’s how we like to ride.”

The “Muur” GFNY Apparel Collection by Alé

In celebration of the Belgian theme, GFNY’s has launched the apparel line “Muur” with its partner Alé, named after the legendary wall climb of Geraardsbergen. The line includes the official race jersey, bib shorts, a race suit and an outer shell (always needed in Belgium). It is designed by NYC creative extraordinaire Alex Ostroy who has been revolutionizing the GFNY apparel designs since 2014.

A trip to Flanders, Waffles, Culture & More

Visit Flanders, the official tourism agency, is showcasing the rich cultural and culinary experiences that make Belgium a must-visit destination for cyclists and travelers alike. They sponsor a trip to Flanders for the most combative rider at the Michelob Ultra GFNY NYC.

No Belgian celebration is complete without waffles. Race-goers can indulge in authentic Liège waffles from Waffles & Dinges, NYC’s beloved food truck serving sweet and savory Belgian treats. Founded in 2007, the truck quickly became a local favorite, offering both sweet and savory waffle creations with a fun, energetic vibe. It’s a must-try spot for anyone craving a taste of Belgium in NYC!