Howden and Knight take Victory at 2025 Gran Fondo Asheville
600 cyclists returned to Asheville to support Western North Carolina and the River Arts District decimated by Hurricane Helene
Cyclists from all across the USA enjoyed a great weekend of cycling, starting from 2-day the Bike Expo at Asheville Yards Amphitheatre in downtown Asheville. The 12th annual Gran Fondo Asheville p/b Applewood Manor took riders up into the Appalachian Mountains for a beautiful and breath-taking day of cycling.
Participants chose either the 31 mile Piccolo, 53 mile Medio or the more challenging 90 mile Gran Fondo with over 8,000 feet of climbing. They were greeted with warm temperatures reaching 85F, light winds and amazing climbs!
Two times USA Cycling Gran Fondo Champion winner Andrew Knight from Marietta GA was fastest over the 4 timed sections in the 90 mile Gran Fondo, just 6 seconds ahead of Oscar Stangoni from North Lauderdale FL in second and 11s ahead of local cyclist Thomas Gibson in third place.
Photo L to R: Oscar Stangoni, Andrew Knight and Thomas Gibson
In the women’s Gran Fondo category, Florence Howden from Mooresville NC (United Healthcare) was fastest over the 4 timed sections, 1m 9s ahead of defending champion and teammate Jennifer Thornton-Brooks from Boone NC (United Healthcare) in second and 1m 56s ahead of local cyclist Hannah Gibson in third place.
Photo: L to R: Jennifer Thornton-Brooks, Florence Howden and Hannah Gibson
Christopher Ames from Charlotte NC was fastest over the 2 timed sections in the Medio Fondo, ahead of Andrew Crater from Greenville SC and Arthur Privette.
In the women’s Medio Fondo category, Debbie Milne from Greenville SC was fastest ahead of Laura Polanco from Atlanta GA and Carla Pregigueiro from Miami FL.
Local cyclist Riley Bartholic was fastest over timed section in the 30 mile Piccolo Fondo, ahead of Kai Snyder Indian from Harbour Beach FL in second and Gabriel Larrea from Miami FL in third place.
In the women’s Piccolo Fondo category, Solana Corradi from Miami was fastest ahead of Annika Gompers from Atlanta GA and Sarah Pipe from Durham NC.
10 teams took part in the team competition with B.B. Barns Cycling Team consisting of Thomas Gibson, Stu Moran and Stephen Justice) winning in a combined time of 2:43:17, ahead of Clowns for Crowns (3:02:37) in second and the ever present Aros Cycling Team (3:05:39) in third place.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed the best Post Ride Party you’ll ever find at a finish line at Asheville Yards Amphitheatre, where to Oskar Blues and Asheville on Bikes offer congratulatory beers to the riders as the return from the challenging routes.
Along with a fresh hot meal and great comradery shared among the riders, the awards were followed by a Post Ride Raffle with more than $5000 in prizes to give out from Series sponsors and some crazy spots prizes dreamt up by series founder Reuben Kline!
2025 Gran Fondo Asheville Overall Podiums
Gran Fondo
Men
1 Andrew Knight Marietta GA 53:05.03
2 Oscar Stangoni North Lauderdale FL +0:06.84
3 Thomas Gibson Asheville NC +0:11.91
Women
1 Florence Howden Mooresville NC 58:08.98
2 Jennifer Thornton-Brooks Boone NC +1:09.31
3 Hannah Gibson Asheville NC +1:56.88
Medio Fondo
Men
1 Christopher Ames Charlotte NC 26:43.09
2 Andrew Crater Greenville SC +1:31
3 Arthur Privette +2:05
Women
1 Debbie Milne Greenville SC 28:23.90
2 Laura Polanco Atlanta GA +2:44
3 Carla Pregigueiro Miami FL +3:50
Piccolo Fondo
Men
1 Riley Bartholic Asheville NC 9:11.39
2 Kai Snyder Indian Harbour Beach FL +1:15
3 Gabriel Larrea Miami FL +1:58
Women
1 Solana Corradi Miami FL 11:09.95
2 Annika Gompers Atlanta GA +0:51
3 Sarah Pipe Durham NC +1:02
Teams
1. B.B. Barns Cycling Team (Thomas Gibson, Stu Moran, Stephen Justice) 2:43:17.31
2. Clowns for Crowns (Zeb Ramsbotham, Tristan Cowie, Colleen Maher) 3:02:37.94
3. ArosCycling (Oscar Stangoni, Felipe Aros, Ernesto Fernandez Conde) 3:05:39.77
4. NICH +SpeedStudio 3:05:46.05
5. North Georgia Cycling Association 3:14:41.36
6. NewType Cycling 3:17:18.1
7. Hub Youth Cycling 3:23:01.12
8. MICC 3:31:29.96
9. Shott Performance 3:31:35.69
10. Breakaway Bandits 3:49:51.96
Link to 2025 Gran Fondo Asheville Results: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/asheville-2025-results
Limited Time Opportunity to Register for 2026 Gran Fondo ASHEVILLE!
Sign up now for the 2026 Gran Fondo Asheville. This is a limited time, no-risk opportunity. Early bird registration at the all-time lowest entry fee for the 2026 event will only be open for two weeks and are fully refundable until December 31, 2025. Registration will re-open in October for all 2026 events, but you’ll never see a price this good again.
Next Up: The Boone Gran Fondo
The Boone Gran Fondo p/b Capua Law Firm is back this August 3rd 2025, one of the most fun courses in the entire Gran Fondo National Series.
Boone is a perfect summer escape into the North Carolina mountain’s, its mild summer temperatures, quiet roads and stunning scenery provide the ideal setting for a rewarding cycling experience.
One of the most fun courses of the entire series, the Boone Gran Fondo twists and turns through wooded climbs and descents before returning to the party atmosphere of downtown Boone, North Carolina.
There are three distances on offer, the 94-mile Gran Route has 4 timed sections and 8,433 feet of climbing, the 57-mile Medio route has 3 timed sections and 5,432 feet of climbing, and the 24-mile Piccolo Route has 2 timed sections and 2,366 feet of climbing.
Riders of all abilities are welcome at the Boone Gran Fondo. Whether aiming for a personal best time or enjoying a leisurely ride through the countryside, the event offers something for everyone.
All routes travel through the Blue Ridge Mountains showcasing the area’s natural beauty.
The Boone Gran Fondo HQ is Capua Law Firm on South Depot Street in downtown Boone, where riders will enjoy a festive atmosphere with an Expo and music. It has a supportive, family feel, particularly when everyone gathers for great local food, cold beer, and fantastic raffle prizes after a challenging and competitive ride.
Receive 15% off your stay at Comfort suites by choice hotels and a complimentary 6:00am ‘Early rider breakfast’!
Receive 15% off your stay at Fairfield suites by Marriot hotels and a complimentary 6:00am ‘Early rider breakfast’!
Register NOW
Registration is open, but with just over a month to go you'll need to hurry to secure a place on this epic challenge across the High Country of North Carolina!
For more information and to register for the Boone Gran Fondo, visit https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-boone or click the button below to register now.