By Desiree Williams
The world’s fastest Gran Fondo is moving to Coxhall Gardens. Rollfast, a cycling organization based in Carmel, will conduct its annual Gran Fondo race, or “big ride,” Sept. 15 at the 125-acre park on the west side of Carmel.
The event was previously conducted at Carmel City Center. Grand Fondos are long-distance road cycling rides.
Matt Tanner, Rollfast founder, said the event was moved to accommodate growth and its new title as the World Championship event for the 2019 Gran Fondo World Tour. The Gran Fondo World Tour is a series of 17 races where riders accumulate points to try to earn the title of series champion.
“When we were asked to become the World Championship for the Gran Fondo World Tour, we wanted a venue that could show the international crowd the amenities and the sophistication that Carmel has,” Tanner said.
Tanner left a career in web design to found Rollfast, a company that uses cycling to support complete wellness. When he learned of other fondos around the world through his own participation in competitive cycling, he brought the idea to Indiana.
“We discovered that (with) the Rollfast Fondo, our draw was the speed,” he said. “The speed of our event is the fastest 100-mile timed race in the world.”
The seventh Rollfast Gran Fondo begins and ends at Coxhall Gardens. There are two route options, pending municipal approval, including the Gran Route of 101 miles and the Medio Route of 66.2 miles.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Rollfast Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention.
Those not participating in the race can enjoy the free Rollfast festival beginning at 10 a.m. Wristbands will be available for purchase for unlimited food and drinks from Sun King Brewery, 1205 Distillery and several other vendors.
For more or to register, visit rollfast.us.
