Legendary cycling experience Gran Fondo Hincapie is heading to Bentonville, Arkansas this September! Partnering with Visit Bentonville, the Ozark Foundation, and Runway Group, the Hincapie-Bentonville event (September 7-8) promises a multi-day cycling extravaganza for riders of all levels.
Challenging Yet Accessible Courses:
Riders can choose from three scenic routes, catering to both seasoned cyclists and newcomers. The Gran course offers a demanding 86.5-mile journey with over 4,800 feet of elevation gain, while the Medio (55 miles) and Piccolo (18.1 miles) offer more moderate challenges. All routes boast rolling hills, open countryside, and stunning views, showcasing the beauty of Bentonville and its surroundings.
“There’s a little something for everybody,” says Jamie Godfrey, Hincapie Event Director. “These courses are perfect for experienced cyclists, but also welcoming to those new to Gran Fondos or mass participation cycling events.”
Junior Challenge Ignites Future Stars:
Hincapie-Bentonville also introduces a Junior Challenge, featuring a significant cash purse and prizes for cyclists aged 10-18. Young riders will compete on the Medio course with dedicated staging and a separate start corral.
“There is simply not enough racing for Juniors around the country. When I grew up, I could race almost every weekend in big fields. We need to bump that back up,” said George Hincapie. “We have a great crop of American professionals now that are helping to elevate the sport in the minds of young riders across the country. For young riders to line up [at the Hincapie-Junior Challenge] and have a professional World Tour-looking stage, it’s a great opportunity for them,” said Hincapie. “Hopefully from starting an event like this, they continue to grow their passion for the sport and never want to leave it, keep getting better, and keep making their lives about cycling. We want to continue to see and grow youth cycling in the United States.”
More Than Just a Ride:
The Hincapie Gran Fondo is more than just a challenging ride. Registration includes a multi-day cycling celebration. After each day’s ride, a Family Fun Festival awaits participants, featuring gourmet food, live entertainment, podium presentations, and a chance to mingle with fellow cyclists. Riders also receive an event jersey, chip timing, on-course support, stocked rest stops, and free event photography.
“The Hincapie event is a unique weekend experience,” says Jamie Cathey, Outdoor Recreation Events Manager at Visit Bentonville. “Participants enjoy a Celebrity Chef Dinner, expo, and packet pickup on Friday night, followed by two days of riding with distinct experiences. We’re excited to showcase Bentonville’s amazing cycling culture and welcome a whole new group of cyclists to explore our beautiful trails.”
The Routes:
On Saturday, Day One of the epic Gran Fondo Hincapie-Bentonville weekend, riders will experience an abundance of rolling hills with a course that heads north out of Bentonville, through Bella Vista, Ark., and then makes an eastern loop into Missouri. See below for Day One course statistics:
- Gran – 86.5 Miles | 4,848 feet of elevation gain | 3 Timed Climbs | 3 Rest Stops (view the full route here)
- Medio – 55 Miles | 3,428 feet of elevation gain | 3 Timed Climbs, 2 Rest Stops (view the full route here)
- Piccolo – 18.1 Miles | 1,136 feet of elevation gain | 1 Timed Climb (view the full route here)
On Sunday, Day Two of the ultimate cycling experience, riders are treated to a different set of scenic road courses. First, riders will head north out of Bentonville, ride through Bella Vista, Ark., and then make a western loop through Missouri. See below for Day Two course statistics:
- Gran – 84.3 Miles | 4,893 feet of elevation gain | 3 Timed Climbs | 4 Rest Stops (view the full route here)
- Medio – 43.7 Miles | 2,788 feet of elevation gain | 2 Timed Climbs, 2 Rest Stops (view the full route here)
- Piccolo – 18 Miles | 1,136 feet of elevation gain | 1 Timed Climb (view the full route here)
Join the Ride!
The Bentonville event joins Gran Fondo Hincapie’s impressive 2024 lineup. Registration is now open for all events, including the Hincapie Gran Fondo-Bentonville happening September 7-8, 2024. Don’t miss out – register today!
