Gran Fondo Hincapie has been creating cycling experiences for over 13 years and is returning to Chattanooga this Spring for its eighth year. Taking place on May 3, registration is now open.
On Saturday at 8 a.m., starting from the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, riders will wind their way through downtown city streets in the center of the River City and then up into the scenic mountain roads along the Tennessee River and Suck Creek. Below are the course specifics for each of the three distances:
Gran - 79 miles, 5612 ft of elevation, 3 rest stops, 3 timed Speed Zones/KOMs
Medio - 57 miles, 3952 ft of elevation, 3 rest stops, 2 timed Speed Zones, 1 KOM
Piccolo - 10 miles, 463 ft of elevation, 1 climb/Speed Zone
"Gran Fondo Hincapie is an incredible event that brings riders of all ages and skill levels from across the country and internationally, right here to Chattanooga,” says Barry White, Chattanooga Tourism Co. president and CEO. “Our community is thrilled to host this cycling celebration, where the challenge of the course meets the excitement of a post-ride festival, making it a must-experience weekend for participants and locals alike."
Hincapie Gran Fondo events are acclaimed for the cycling celebrities in attendance, such as Olympian and former American professional road cyclist George Hincapie (the event's namesake), who will ride alongside the event participants, as well as the event organizer’s careful attention to safety, on-course SAG support, course and segment timing, fully stocked rest stops, complimentary participant photography, and a free Family Fun Festival post-ride. These attributes make Hincapie events more than just a big ride—they're multi-day cycling celebrations. The post-ride festival and expo, open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, will feature gourmet food by chef Biju Thomas, live entertainment, podium awards, giveaways, sponsor activations and drinks alongside hundreds of other riders.
Other weekend festivities include a Night with the Stars dinner on Friday night. Located in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga, riders are invited to join George for food and wine, all in the ambiance of the twinkling lights and the quiet garden of the Waterhouse Pavilion at Miller Plaza. A Hincapie Sportswear Warehouse Sale will also take place on Friday from 12-5 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to grab fresh new gear. A SRAM happy hour will round out Friday’s activities from 3-5 p.m., with complimentary beverages from official sponsor and local favorite Tennessee Brew Works.
This is the second Hincapie Gran Fondo event of the year. The first event took place in Merced, Calif., in March, and the next event will travel to Lehigh Valley, Pa., on May 31. The final event will take place Oct. 18 in Greenville, S.C., where the Hincapie Gran Fondo events started in 2012. Registration is now open for all of the 2025 events.
To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie, please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.