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GFNY Cozumel Looks to Double In Size for 2015

It has been an incredible year for the Paradise Sports Management Team, where passion met equal minds to create an international cycling event that left the participating enthusiasts on an exhilarating biking high and the pro’s with constant reminders of why they love to do what they do… ride.

It was barely daybreak on Sunday, November 23rd, race day, when the main square of Cozumel’s Quintana Roo Park was equally filled with inspirational music, motivational sounds of bikes positioning themselves at the starting line, and a color filled scene of the official green GFNY Cozumel 2014 jersey. Worn by each participant, the official jersey created the perfect scheme for the inaugural first edition “Gran Fondo in Paradise” inspiring a true professional team sport atmosphere.

Part of the GFNY World Series, Cozumel reached it’s 1,000 rider goal from an outstanding 28 Countries. Each participant completing either 50 mi / 80km Medio Fondo (one loop of the Island) or 100 mi / 160km Gran Fondo (two loops of the Island), as well as the surprising King of the Wind category (13 mi / 20 km) against trade winds, the winter Caribbean sun and the breathtaking views.

All top 10% finishers of the diverse age groups qualified for the GFNY 2015 Championship in NY, although it was the fast passed peddling of Yayir de Jesus Jimenez Godinez 4:07:26 from Cancun, Mexico and Michelle Flipo 4:15:14, from Mexico City, Mexico, whom won respectively the overall male and female category.

In the words of Uli Fluhme, CEO of Gran Fondo New York "GFNY Cozumel was amazingly well organized by the local team from Paradise Sports Management and received full support by the local, regional and even national government officials. That's something we have never seen anywhere in the world. The roads on the island were shut down for the riders, 500 volunteers were on hand and everyone came out to cheer and support the athletes. They truly were treated like pros for this day." 

Proudly sponsored by top brands and local service providers, GFNY Cozumel was host to over 3,000 National and International cycling enthusiasts and their supporting families on the Island, including well known athletes such as Raul Alcala, Nelson Vails and Team Novo Nordisk, and business men of the world. This was just the starting point of what is to be achieved by Paradise Sports in the years to come, the goal for 2015 being to reach the 2,000 riders mark, which would increase to around 6,000 visitors the Gran Fondo weekend in Cozumel.

To inspire sports, health and well being, while promoting a safe Sports Tourism Destination, is the vision behind this Mexican based Company founded by friends and partners Shaun Gad, Miguel Gonzalez, Daniela Gad and Victoria Gonzalez. Following the footsteps of their mentors, they are opening the door to achieving their mission that will help inspire biking and safe biking options.

Enthusiasts eagerly await the date for next years second edition ride in Paradise November 22nd, 2015. Many are planning to arrive 3 days before to enjoy the GFNY Cozumel family filled festivities surrounding the event and staying at least 3 days after the event to enjoy the Islands magical beauty… this balance is every riders dream.

GFNY Cozumel Looks to Double In Size for 2015