Sonoma County, California – Former American professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer is set to inject new life into the U.S. road racing scene with his flagship event, Levi’s GranFondo. Scheduled for April 19 in Sonoma County, California, the event boasts a hefty $156,000 prize fund, marking it as one of the richest road races in the country.
The centerpiece of the day’s competition is the challenging “Growler” race, a 138-mile (222 km) route that features an intense 4,226 meters of elevation gain. Dubbed a “highly competitive monument,” the Growler is touted as a race that rivals some of the toughest stages of the Tour de France, according to event organizers.
Substantial Prize Money
The financial rewards for top finishers are equally ambitious. The first male and female riders to cross the finish line will each receive $25,000, with a total of $78,000 allocated to the top 10 finishers in both categories. The event is designed to draw elite competitors while also offering opportunities for cyclists of varying abilities, with shorter courses ranging from 10 to 120 miles.
Though Levi’s GranFondo is not a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale)-sanctioned event, the significant prize pot places it in league with many UCI races. In fact, after the cancellations of both the Joe Martin Stage Race and the Maryland Classic, only two UCI-rated races were held in the U.S. in 2024—the Gran Premio New York and the Tour of the Gila, both classified as UCI 2.2 events. This stark contrast highlights the decline in U.S.-based professional road racing over the past decade, a trend Leipheimer hopes to reverse.
A Renewed Vision for U.S. Road Racing
Leipheimer, whose career includes victories in the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de Suisse, as well as a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics time trial, has long been a prominent figure in the sport. Reflecting on the state of domestic road racing, he expressed his determination to “reinvigorate” the sport in the United States.
In a statement, Leipheimer emphasized the importance of local support for fostering growth in cycling. He credited Skipstone, a Sonoma County winery, for backing this year’s event. “By investing in our roots and the foundation of professional racing, we will support and inspire the next generation of U.S. athletes,” he said.
Leipheimer’s original goal when launching Levi’s GranFondo in 2009 was to share the roads that helped shape his own athletic career with the cycling community. Now, with increased financial backing, he aims to give back in a way that will help secure the future of American road racing.
Returning Champions
The event’s second edition will see the return of defending champions Keegan Swenson and Lauren De Crescenzo, who triumphed in the men’s and women’s categories respectively last year. Both riders are well-known in the U.S. gravel racing scene, but their participation in Levi’s GranFondo highlights the evolving crossover between different disciplines of cycling. Local hero Luke Lamperti, a rider for Soudal-Quick Step, will also compete.
Leipheimer’s ambitions extend beyond mere competition. He sees the event as a platform to bring together the cycling community, providing a springboard for the next wave of American talent. The substantial prize money and increasing recognition of the race serve as vital steps in reinvigorating road racing in the U.S.
As Levi’s GranFondo heads into its second year, Leipheimer’s vision for U.S. road racing has never seemed more tangible. With a mix of elite cyclists, ambitious prize funds, and grassroots support, the event promises to be a defining moment in the future of American road racing.
Related topics
- Distant Local: The Surf Start-Up Redefining Local Culture
- New Surf Event to Debut in February 2025
- Biden Signs Historic Offshore Oil Drilling Ban