Gran Fondo Hincapie has announced the official courses for its Merced, CA, event, the only West Coast and gravel event of the US gran fondo series.
Taking place on March 15th, and in partnership with El Capitan Hotel Merced and the city of Merced, 2025 marks the second year the Hincapie team will host its event in Merced.
The event offers a multi-day cycling celebration with scenic rides delivering views, challenging climbs, fast descents, and a post-ride Family Fun Festival. Riders will experience an abundance of rolling hills through California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Gran – 81 miles, 4945 ft of elevation, 3 rest stops, 3 timed Speed Zones, 49% gravel
- Medio – 61 miles, 2305 ft of elevation, 2 rest stops, 2 timed Speed Zones, 45% gravel
- Piccolo – 6.5 miles out-and-back loop on the bike path
“The courses in Merced are what gravel dreams are made of,” said Joe Coddington, Technical Director for Gran Fondo Hincapie.
“Wide open roads rolling through some of the most beautiful ranch lands the west has to offer, paired with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, make this one impossible to forget.”
Retired pros, including Olympian and former American professional road cyclist George Hincapie (the event’s namesake), and IvánDomínguez, former Cuban/USA professional road cyclist will be among the Merced event participants.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Hincapie event back and to once again serve as the hotel sponsor. The El Capitan Hotel truly stands at the heart of the event weekend,” said Robin Donovan, Managing Director at El Capitan Hotel Merced.
“Last year, the event brought significant community impact, with downtown businesses thriving and many local vendors actively participating. This event not only creates a fantastic economic opportunity for our community but also serves as a vibrant platform to showcase all that Merced has to offer.”
2025 Gran Fondo Hincapie event dates:
- March 15: Merced, CA
- May 3: Chattanooga, TN
- May 31: Lehigh Valley, PA
- Sep 7-8: Bentonville, AR
- October 18: Greenville, SC
