Category: Gran Fondo

America has hosted big bike races in the past that attracted cyclists and pro teams from around the world, such as the Amgen Tour of California, USA Pro Cycling Challenge, and Tour of Utah. However, those races eventually failed due to a lack of funding and interest. So, if you were (or are) an American cyclist with aspirations for a pro cycling contract, opportunities to be discovered have rapidly diminished.

Levi Leipheimer, a former pro cyclist from 1997 to 2012, decided to change that by starting his own event after announcing his retirement in 2013. His very popular event is called Levi’s Gran Fondo (also known as the King Ridge Gran Fondo), which is open to cyclists of all abilities, but it also has a race component that awards the largest prize money for a bicycle race in the world.

About Levi Lepheimer: Former Pro Cyclist and Philanthropist

After his many years as a winning pro cyclist for U.S. Postal Service, Rabobank, Discovery, Radioshack, and many others, Levi Leipheimer retired. That was as a result of allegations of doping while he was riding for the U.S Postal Service. His teammates were Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie, and Tyler Hamilton, who were also eventually accused of doping.

Unlike many retired pro cyclists, he didn’t choose to become a race commentator, become a coach, or take up the role of motivational speaker. He wanted to stay close to thing he loved: bicycling and bicycle racing. And he saw how pro-level races in America failed because of the lack of funding and sponsorship, which left no path for young cyclists in America with desires for a pro contract.

So, in 2009, while he was still a pro racer, Leipheimer started his own event called Levi’s Gran Fondo. But instead of just being a race, he decided to make it an event open to bicyclists of all abilities with a large chunk of the money earned contributed to various charities. Today, the event attracts “7,500 professional and amateur athletes from all 50 US states and from six continents.“

Levi Leipheimer’s Gran Fondo Routes

As the most popular gran fondo in the world and with massive participation, the organizers of Levi’s Gran Fondo offer many routes for riders of all abilities versus the three levels most gran fondos/ sportives have.

• Family Route – 8 miles with 92 feet of elevation gain. It is free for kids, parents, and other family members.
• Piccolo – 32 miles with 1,372 feet of elevation gain. Consists of vineyards and rolling hills.
• Medio – 61 miles with 2,515 feet of elevation gain. Take in essential views of Sonoma County with a mix of vineyards and two challenging climbs.
• The Geysers – 80 miles and 5,755 feet of elevation gain. Sweeping views of Sonoma County’s wine region
• Gran – 119 miles with 10,614 feet of elevation gain. Ride the most renowned road in cycling in California. This is a difficult route with two substantial climbs.
• Growler – This is the road race for professionals and amateurs with the largest cash prize in all of cycling at $25,000. 137 miles and 13,867 feet of elevation gain. This is a difficult course with lots of climbing.

Date of Event, Registration, Inclusions for Levi’s Gran Fondo

Levi’s Gran Fondo takes place every April in Sonoma County, Northern California, specifically the town of Windsor as of 2025. Registration is open now for the 2026 event. No prices are listed at this time but you can get on the event’s email list and they will email you when registration is available.

With your registration for Levi’s Gran Fondo, these elements are included:

• Traffic-controlled roads – Supported by local police, fire departments, and highway patrol. However, these roads will not be closed to traffic
• On-course support – Fully stocked aid stations, bike marshals, stationary mechanics, moto support, medical technicians, and amateur radio operators.
• Pro-level details – Professional photography and meticulously marked routes.
• A commemorative experience – Custom swag, a water bottle, a post-ride meal and beverage, and a lively festival on the Windsor Town Green.

Note: This event is free for kids, parents, other family members, and riders under 23.

Last Thoughts

Levi’s Gran Fondo is the most popular, most well-supported event ride in America. If you can get registered and you feel comfortable being around over 7,000 cyclists at various ability levels at one time, this would be a memorable ride to participate in.

And if you are a pro or successful amateur racer, the prize money for both men and women can’t be topped for an event of this caliber, not in America anyway. But if you just want to bike one of the most beautiful parts of the country and challenge yourself, that is a great reason to sign up as well.