Levi’s GranFondo, one of America’s most grueling and prestigious cycling events, will provide live streaming of its professional race, The Growler, on April 19, 2025. The livestream will offer a chance to witness the competition between the country’s top cyclists as they vie for a $156,000 prize purse.
Founded by former professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer, the GranFondo has been held annually in Sonoma County, California, since 2009. Known for its mass-start format, the event draws both amateur and professional riders from across the country. In addition to offering a variety of race routes, the GranFondo has become one of the most significant cycling events in the U.S., attracting elite racers from the road and gravel disciplines.
The elite race has seen notable winners, including Leipheimer, KOM-hunter Phil Gaimon, former Australian time trial champion Rory Sutherland, US road champion Alex Howes, and gravel racing stars Keegan Swenson and Lauren De Crescenzo. The event also has a history of featuring athletes like Rebecca “the Queen of Pain” Rusch and Ruth Winder (Human Powered Health).
As the U.S. sees a decline in professional road racing opportunities, Levi’s GranFondo has grown in stature, and the elite event has become both the richest and the toughest road race in America. The “Growler” route spans 138 miles (222 km) and includes a daunting 13,867 feet (4,226 m) of climbing.
Described by organizers as a race that rivals some of the toughest stages of the Tour de France, the Growler offers intense competition and attracts a star-studded field, including Olympians, world champions, and WorldTour riders.
For the first time, the race will be livestreamed, allowing fans to watch the final two hours of the event. The broadcast will be available for free via YouTube and the event’s website, levisgranfondo.com, without geo-restrictions. Professional commentators Matt Stephens and Hannah Walker will provide live analysis throughout the coverage.
Carlos Perez, co-founder of Levi’s GranFondo, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “The thrill of watching a long-distance road race has been missing in the U.S. for far too long. This event will be pivotal in restoring interest in domestic racing.”
Leipheimer echoed the sentiment, aiming to revitalize the U.S. road racing scene by combining a scenic, mass-participation event with a challenging, world-class professional race that is both equitable and exciting for viewers.
The livestream of Levi’s GranFondo Growler begins on April 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. BST / 4:00 a.m. AEST (April 20) on levisgranfondo.
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