Gran Fondo Asheville Brings Riders from Across the Country to the Blue Ridge
The 2026 event welcomed 618 registered cyclists for a weekend of mountain riding, community connection and support for safer roads.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. | JULY 19, 2026
Cyclists from across the United States and beyond gathered in Asheville for the 2026 Gran Fondo Asheville, bringing an energetic field to downtown and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain roads. The event welcomed 618 registered riders representing 30 states and Washington, D.C., along with international participants from Canada, Brazil and Italy. Riders ranged in age from 8 to 79, underscoring the event's appeal to families, developing athletes, longtime competitors and recreational cyclists alike.
The event's home base at Asheville Yards Amphitheater placed the start and finish in the heart of the city. From there, cyclists chose among Gran, Medio and Piccolo route options that traded downtown streets for winding country roads, pastoral scenery, ridge-top views and signature mountain climbs. Gran Fondo National Series' timed-segment format gave riders room to enjoy the journey between competitive sections, blending the challenge of racing with the camaraderie of a supported group ride.
A Full Weekend of Cycling and Hospitality
Gran Fondo weekend extended well beyond Sunday's start line. VIP activities began Friday evening at Applewood Manor, followed Saturday by a morning group ride, a noon-to-5 p.m. bike expo and an evening cookout and packet pickup. Those gatherings gave riders, guests, sponsors and organizers time to connect before the main event.
On Sunday, packet pickup opened before dawn and riders assembled for the national anthem at 7:45 a.m. The Gran Fondo rolled out at 8 a.m., with the first riders returning around 10 a.m. Food service, route-specific awards for the Piccolo, Medio and Gran fields, and a sponsor raffle kept the finish area active throughout the afternoon as cyclists completed their rides.
An Event with Community Impact
This year's event also raised $15,000 for The White Line Foundation, a national organization dedicated to advancing cyclist and pedestrian safety. The contribution extends the impact of the weekend beyond the course, supporting advocacy, education and community initiatives that help make roads safer for everyone.
“Gran Fondo Asheville continues to be a highlight on the local sports tourism calenda. It serves as a great opportunity to showcase the areas reputation as an incredible cycling community,” said Smith. Those in that community are certainly aware of the importance for safety among both cyclists and pedestrians and The White Line does a fabulous job of getting that message out. So, Gran Fondo Asheville continues to have positive impacts in and throughout our community.”
- Chris Smith, President, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
Applewood Manor Foundation served as presenting sponsor and organized the weekend's VIP experiences. Local cycling-industry leaders Cane Creek Cycling and Industry Nine also supported the event. Shimano continued its investment in the next generation of cyclists through its Junior and U23 program, which expanded in 2026 to include discounted entries and Shimano Ultegra groupsets for the male/open and female U23 Gran Route winners at Series-owned events.
Looking Ahead: Asheville to Host the 2027 National Championships
Photo Credit: Max Segal
The momentum from this year's event carries directly into 2027, when Asheville will host the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships in conjunction with Gran Fondo Asheville on July 18. Applewood Manor Foundation will return as presenting sponsor, with plans for course-reconnaissance rides and VIP experiences surrounding the championship weekend. Qualified age-group riders will compete for national titles on timed segments of the Gran Route, while the Medio and Piccolo events will remain open to all riders.
"Gran Fondo Asheville has become one of the cornerstone events of the Gran Fondo National Series and a favorite among cyclists from across the country. Asheville offers a unique combination of world-class riding, breathtaking scenery, and unmatched hospitality, making it an ideal host for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. We are excited to bring the championship back to Asheville in 2027 and showcase one of America's premier cycling destinations on the national stage."
- Reuben Kline, founder and director, Gran Fondo National Series
With a proven event platform, strong local partnerships and a course that showcases the best of Western North Carolina, Asheville is positioned to welcome the nation's top gran fondo riders while continuing to offer an inclusive weekend for cyclists of all ages and abilities.