All three routes, the 89 mile Gran Fondo, 67 Medio Fondo and 25 mile Piccolo Fondo featured steep and challenging climbs, quiet country roads, scenic views, and thrilling descents. 

 

In the Gran Fondo, Shannon Himstedt from Demorest GA was fastest over the 4 timed sections in 44:04 just ahead of Pearson Bruhns from Demorest GA 13 seconds behind in second and David Howe from Nashville TN in third place 55 seconds behind.

 

 

In the women's Gran Fondo category, Sarah Watkins from Evansville IN was fastest in 51:05 ahead of Grace Wilson from Demorest GA in seconds 54 seconds behind and Jeanine Seeger from Boynton Beach FL in third place 2m 17s behind.

 

 

In the Gran Fondo Team Competition, men's winner Shannon Himstedt, Pearson Bruhns and Kaden Zimish from team Piedmont University were fastest ahead of team TRMNUS Works and team Hattie B's Racing.

 

In the Medio Fondo, Brian Miller from Lakeland FL was fastest over the 3 timed sections in 21:43, and for the women Tiffany Ballew from Atlanta GA was fastest in 25:11.

 

In the Piccolo Fondo, Kenny Grantham from Lilesville NC was fastest over the 1 timed section in 11:16 and for the women Brittney Stafford from Atlanta GA was fastest in a time of 15:08

 

Around 60 riders qualified for the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships, to be held during Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick, MD on September 20, 2026.

 

 

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed the post-ride party with North Georgia BBQ and a beer or two, the awards ceremony and the legendary raffle with 5,000 dollars worth of sponsor prizes.

 

 

Up next is the Highlands Gran Fondo in Butler, NJ on June 7th, 2026.

1. Shannon Himstedt Demorest GA 44:04.71

2. Pearson Bruhns Demorest GA +0:00.13

3. David Howe Nashville TN +0:55.84

4. Kaden Zimish Demorest GA +1:18.24

5. David Anderson Kennesaw GA    +1:29.34

6. Gerasimos Agoudemos Demorest GA +1:39.66

7. Wes Gregory Nashville TN +2:10.22

8. Tyler Rogers Demorest GA +2:29.00

9. Tobias Garreau Greenville SC +3:00.52

10. Rob Downs Atlanta GA +3:12.76

1. Sarah Watkins Evansville IN 51:05.91

2. Grace Wilson Demorest GA +0:54.08

3. Jeanine Seeger Boynton Beach FL +2:17.65

4. Emma Frost Demorest GA +3:41.81

5. Andrea Pattington +4:07.22

6. Paige Nodarse Tallahassee +6:00.95

7. Carla Bates Kennesaw GA +9:06.27

8. Lynne Anderson Boulder CO +9:41.16

9. Katie Prowell Demorest GA +11:10.76

10. Apryl Handy Gulfport MS +12:13.98

1. Piedmont University  2:11:17.51

2. TRMNUS Works    2:23:44.92

3. Hattie B's Racing  2:23:48.52

4. NGCA    2:31:51.88

5. Palmetto Cyclist Collective  2:38:20.36

6. GetRadATL 2:53:10.35

1. Brian Miller Lakeland FL 21:43.07

2. Luke Oaks Canton GA +0:16

3. Michael Morris Smyrna GA +0:51

4. Evan Redwine Nashville TN +1:18

5. Ryan Knight Brookhaven GA +1:22

6. Jay Hissett Edgewood KY +1:27

7. Cory Eubanks M/O Senoia GA +1:34

8. Mark Peterson Atlanta GA +1:59

9. Ageu Costa Marietta GA +2:20

10. Jason Brewer Douglasville GA +3:03

1. Tiffany Ballew Atlanta GA 25:11.42 --

2. Hannah Hanlon Atlanta GA +1:52

3. Elizabeth Markman Marietta GA +4:29

4. Betsy Hard Chattahoochee Hills GA +6:41

5. Samantha Spangenburg  Atlanta GA +6:54

6. Sally Chu Madison AL +7:53

7. Catherine Lucas Naples FL +8:05

8. Jenny Obando Buford GA +11:00

9. Zenaida Villatoro Miami FL +11:21

10. Rosamaria Cabrera Flowery Branch GA +11:47

1. Kenny Grantham Lilesville NC 11:16.58

2. Louis Leclerc Marietta GA +1:06

3. Alexander Segarra Macon GA +1:35

4. Angel Guzman M/O Norcross GA +2:50

5. Chad Smith Mount Holly NC +2:59

6. Jim Little Beavercreek OH +3:15

7. Prabhumallikarjun Patil Dunwoody GA +3:26

8. Kristopher Barnette Dallas GA +3:44

9. Devlin Cooper Macon GA +4:57

10. Phillip Miles Sharpsburg GA +4:57

1. Brittney Stafford Atlanta GA 14.66 15:08.20

2. Scarlett Kenton +1:18

3. Stephanie Little Beavercreek OH +1:24

4. Susan Tomboly Edgewood KY +1:25

5. Tia Smith Mount Holly NC +2:08

6. Angela Neikov Beavercreek OH +3:05

7. Anja Decressin Bethesda MD +5:20

8. Hazel Gonzalez Fort Mitchell AL +6:15

9. Amber Harrop Hartford IL +11:58

 

Link to 2026 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo Results: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/georgia-2026-results

Sign up now for the 2027 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo. This is a limited time, no-risk opportunity. Early bird registration at the all-time lowest entry fee ($150/$100) for the 2027 event will only be open until 26 April and are fully refundable until December 31, 2026. 

 

Registration will re-open in October for all 2027 events, but you’ll never see a price this good again.

 

 

REGISTER NOW FOR THE HIGHLANDS GRAN FONDO AND RECEIVE A FREE JERSEY

Event Jersey included if you register by May 8!

Now is the best time to register for Highlands Georgia Gran Fondo that takes place this June 7th in Butler, NJ. Not only will you save money on registration, but you will also receive a SUAREZ event jersey and get your name on your bib number!

3 SCENIC AND CHALLENGING ROUTES, JUST 30 MINUTES FROM NYC!

Starting and finishing in Butler, NJ, all three routes feature steep and challenging climbs, quiet country roads, scenic views, and thrilling descents.

This ride from Butler, New Jersey is a great way to experience the landscape outside the New York City metro area. With remarkably quiet country roads, shady tree canopies, and a downtown start/finish/party at High Point Brewery, this beautiful and challenging ride is well worth the trip. The Gran Route crosses the Appalachian Trail eight times and showcases some spectacular. It’s hard to believe riding this good is located so close to the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.

The 36-mile Piccolo route contains 2,606 feet of climbing for younger, novice and beginner cyclists. The 63-mile Medio route contains 4,457 feet of climbing and is ideal for intermediate cyclists or those who are still building base endurance for the 2026 season. The 103-mile Gran route packs in 7,521 feet of climbing.

POST RIDE PARTY!

When you arrive back from your ride, we'll have a fresh, cold beer from Rammstein Brewing for you as well as a great meal! Raise a glass to your accomplishment and enjoy the perfect post-ride reward in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Cheers to a great ride and even better company!

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.

Gran Fondo National Championships riders who finish Top 5 in a competition category (male and female by age group) will be invited to the podium presentations. National Champions will be awarded 2026 USA Cycling National Champion jerseys.

Awards presented three deep for each category for fastest section times. Custom produced Gran Fondo Event Winners kits will be awarded to the fastest riders in each age category of the Gran Route 104-mile event.

Whether hanging out for your chance to step onto the podium, win an awesome raffle prize, or just enjoy some great beers with fellow riders, the post ride part is a fun time for all!

REGISTER NOW and SAVE!

Prices go up April 9^th, register now for the best price and secure a FREE event jersey from SUAREZ!

For more information, please visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-highlands or click the link below to register now.