On March 23, GFNY Cannes once again proved why it is considered one of the most attractive season openers on the European gran fondo calendar. With its start and finish on the iconic boulevard of Cannes, a demanding 110-kilometre route and more than 2,000 metres of climbing, this event offers the perfect balance between challenge, scenery and atmosphere.
GFNY: a global gran fondo community
GFNY, short for Gran Fondo New York, is a worldwide series of competitive and non-competitive cycling events that allows amateur cyclists to experience what it feels like to be a professional for a day. With races in more than 30 countries, GFNY has grown into a truly global community of passionate riders. Each season culminates in the prestigious GFNY World Championship in New York City, where the top 10% of each age category earn their place on the start line.
A flawlessly organized event
Organization is one of GFNY Cannes’ strongest assets. From the moment riders arrive in Cannes, everything is arranged with professionalism and attention to detail. A large team of volunteers and motorbike marshals ensures safety and smooth logistics throughout the race. The mandatory neon green GFNY kit may divide opinions, but it undeniably creates a strong sense of unity and a highly visible peloton.
Riders are treated to an excellent pasta party, well-stocked feed zones and reliable technical support along the route. The course itself leads deep into the mountains behind Cannes, passing dramatic gorges, rivers and panoramic viewpoints that make this gran fondo as visually impressive as it is physically demanding. Bib number collection runs smoothly, although the use of traditional handlebar number plates feels slightly outdated compared to the ‘Be pro for a day’ philosophy.
Routes and participation
Approximately 1,600 riders took part in GFNY Cannes this year. The majority chose the full gran fondo: a 110-kilometre route with 2,024 metres of elevation gain. For those looking for a shorter, non-competitive option, the medio route offered 57 kilometres and 997 metres of climbing. Both routes share the same high-quality organization and stunning Provençal scenery.
Racing through the hills above Cannes
The race starts beneath the palm trees along the Mediterranean coast before heading inland towards the first major climb, the Col de Tanneron. This ascent measures 7.5 kilometres at an average gradient of 4.5% and immediately sets a high tempo. It quickly becomes clear that keeping pace with elite-level gran fondo riders such as European champion Stefan Kirchmaier is a serious challenge.
After cautious descending on wet roads, the race continues with the long Col d’Avaye, stretching 13.7 kilometres at an average gradient of 4.1%. This climb allows riders to find their rhythm while enjoying the spectacular surroundings. As the race progresses, the pace on the final climbs intensifies, gradually thinning out the groups. In the final kilometres back into Cannes, the course runs alongside the beach. Although some traffic remains unavoidable in this region, the finish on the boulevard remains a memorable finale.
Results and podiums
Stefan Kirchmaier claimed victory after a fast sprint, finishing ahead of Belgian rider Ward Wauters and Frenchman Stephane Rossetto in a time of 3 hours, 4 minutes and 8 seconds — an average speed of 36 km/h. In the women’s race, Canadian rider Emilie Fortin took the win, followed by Tyffen Saure (France) and Michala Santini (Italy).
A fifth-place finish in the 40+ category and 35th overall marked a strong start to the season and secured qualification for the GFNY World Championship in New York. The complete results are available here.
Conclusion
GFNY Cannes once again delivered an outstanding gran fondo experience. Combining a challenging but accessible route, impressive scenery and top-level organization, it is an ideal choice for riders looking to open their season with a memorable race on the French Riviera.