On October 19, 2024, Gran Fondo Hincapie’s 13th annual Greenville cycling event in South Carolina, welcomed over 2,000 riders. The event has now raised US$750,000 for hurricane relief and is three-quarters of the way to its US$1 million goal.
Participants were aged six to 85, residing from 42 US states and 13 countries, including Denmark, Switzerland, Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, Canada, Mexico, and Spain, to name a few. Leading into and during the event weekend, the Hincapie team rallied the global community with the goal of raising over one million dollars for a local community heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“This year’s Gran Fondo Hincapie was a last-minute shift in focus, but it quickly became a full-scale fundraising effort,” said Rich Hincapie, President of Hincapie Events.
“Once we decided to pivot, George, myself, and the whole family started reaching out to our networks. We worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the event weekend – calling, texting, emailing individuals and groups, calling in favours, and rallying support from the global community; not just cyclists, but anyone who believed in the cause.
“It was incredible to see so many people come together for the fundraising events, which spanned four days. Raising the amount we have so far is my proudest accomplishment in cycling.”
On the day, celebrity riders showed up in support including Sir Mark Cavendish, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Jan Ullrich, Jolanda Neff, Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde, and Victor Hugo Pena as well as celebrities from the NFL and motocross racing world.
The Hincapie team still has its eye on the ultimate goal of raising one million dollars to help residents of Polk County. Donations may be made online.
