Gran Fondo Hincapie announces Lexus as the official vehicle for the Gran Fondo Hincapie series, as well as the title sponsor of the Celebrity Chef Dinner, occurring the Friday evening prior to Saturday’s ride. The relationship between Lexus and the Hincapie family dates back four years, when they sponsored the first Gran Fondo in Greenville in 2014.
“Lexus’s presence at Gran Fondo really takes the events to a different level,” says George Hincapie. “Having their support means we’re able to achieve a certain amount of class and luxury that’s characteristic of the Lexus brand and has become essential to the Gran Fondo Hincapie events.”
Everysight, a developer of augmented reality products, is also joining the Gran Fondo Hincapie events as a presenting partner.
Their flagship AR product, the Raptor, uses patented Everysight BEAM projection technology to provide non-intrusive information to the user. For example, the Raptor’s sunglasses product allows a cyclist to view information via a digital display on the lenses.
Other partners for Gran Fondo Hincapie-Chattanooga, occurring May 5, include: Hincapie Sportswear, Scott Bikes, 1st Endurance, Michelin, Williamsburg Winery, Honey Stinger and Elliott Davis.
Gran Fondo Hincapie-Chattanooga is also pleased to announce that they have chosen the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as their nonprofit partner. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank will receive proceeds from the event to further their mission of eliminating hunger and promoting better nutrition in the area.
“An important component of the Gran Fondo Hincapie model is working with a local nonprofit to give back to the area,” says Rich Hincapie, CEO of Hincapie Events. “The Chattanooga area has welcomed us with open arms, so this is one way that we can show our gratitude for their hospitality.”
“We are delighted the Gran Fondo Hincapie team selected the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as their charity of choice,” says Gina Crumbliss, Food Bank president and CEO. “Their focus on inclusion and making their events family-friendly perfectly align with what we aim to do at the Food Bank. We’re looking forward to this year’s event.”
"Gran Fondo Hincapie is a series of cycling events comprised of 15-, 50-, and 80-mile rides. The series is known for a high-end customer experience defined by personal attention and luxury.
"The original Gran Fondo Hincapie, located in Greenville, SC and now in its sixth year, has topped charts and received stellar reviews, acclaimed for the cycling celebrities in attendance, as well as its careful attention to safety, on-site viewing screens, course and segment timing, live tracking and streaming, live bands at the rest stops and a free family festival.
"The first announced expansion of Gran Fondo Hincapie is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The inaugural ride will occur May 5, beginning and ending in downtown Chattanooga, and have a similar feel to the original Gran Fondo Hincapie in Greenville. The location of downtown Chattanooga is conducive to a large ride, with boutique hotel, The Dwell, at the start and finish, as well as ample opportunities for parking and beautiful views throughout the ride," officials said.
For more information about Gran Fondo Hincapie-Chattanooga or the Gran Fondo Hincapie series, contact Lindsay Niedringhaus, director of Content at Hincapie Sportswear, at lindsayn@hincapiesports.com.