Gorodetsky and Maple Claim Victory at Inaugural Michelob Ultra GFNY Pittsburgh–Monroeville

In perfect late-summer conditions, the first Michelob Ultra GFNY Pittsburgh–Monroeville delivered a brutal but beautiful test for riders Sunday, as Ben Gorodetsky (NYC) and Laura Maple (Fredericksburg, VA) took commanding wins on what organizers called the toughest GFNY course in the United States.

The long course spanned 79.9 miles and featured 8,701 feet of climbing, pushing fields to the limit and producing decisive margins. Multi-GFNY champion Ben Gorodetsky rode a near-flawless race, finishing solo in 3:35:50 — roughly 13 minutes clear of runner-up Sean McCullough of Washington, PA. Shawn Litster of the Visit Pittsburgh Elite Team rounded out the men’s podium in third, securing an all-U.S. top three.

Laura Maple, fresh off her GFNY Maryland 2024 title, stamped her authority on the women’s race. Maple crossed the line almost 25 minutes ahead of local favorite Marissa Pavlinich, with Costa Rica’s Edith Guillén taking third. The wide winning margins underscored the course’s difficulty and the strength of the winners’ form.

“The course was relentless from the start — steep ramps, long climbs and fast descents that demanded focus every mile,” said Uli Fluhme, CEO GFNY World. “Monroeville delivered a spectacular stage: tough racing, scenic roads and a crowd that brought real energy. This event will be a big date on the GFNY calendar from now on.”

Riders praised the route’s variety and the event atmosphere. Participants described a race that combined technical climbing sections with open stretches that allowed breakaways to form and decisive efforts to stick. Volunteers and local supporters lined key climbs and town centers, creating an electric environment that lifted competitors through the hardest parts of the day.

The success of the inaugural edition marks a milestone for GFNY’s expansion in the United States, pairing a world-class course with community backing from Monroeville and the greater Pittsburgh region. Organizers noted strong local engagement and safety operations that helped the event run smoothly, while athletes and teams highlighted the quality of course marking, feed zones and on-course support.

GFNY World’s racing calendar continues with the seventh editions of GFNY Manta and GFNY Chile scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025. Those events will keep the international season buzzing as athletes carry form and momentum from Monroeville into the closing phases of the year.

Link to 2025 Michelob Ultra GFNY Pittsburgh–Monroeville Results: https://gfny.cc/results

Link to 2025-2025 GFNY Series Calendar on Gran Fondo Guide.