George Hincapie is one of the most recognized riders in the world, with numerous world championships, national championships and professional victories to his credit. Since retiring from professional cycling George has taken a more active role in family business interests including Hincapie Sportswear, the professional Hincapie Sportswear Development Team, Gran Fondo Hincapie and Hotel Domestique. He hopes to further share his knowledge about the sport with cycling’s future generations. George lives in Greenville, South Carolina where he hosts the Hincapie Gran Fondo.
One of George’s favorite training rides for the Tour de France, the Gran Fondo route will not disappoint with epic climbs including the infamous Skyuka Mountain King Of the Mountain, switchbacks on Green River Cove, and a challenging descent down Howard’s Gap. The course is 80 miles and features 8100 feet of climbing, three climbs (two timed climbs) and four fully stocked rest stops. Those not wanting to tackle the full course can participate in the Medio which offers cyclists the picturesque view of the Blue Ridge Foothills in a slightly shortened version of the Gran. The Medio is 40 miles and features 2,641 feet of climbing, two climbs and three rest stops. A third option for cyclists is the Piccolo, which follows an easy 15 mile route from Hotel Domestique. This rolling hilly loop has a little kick at the end with a 1-mile climb up Camp Old Indian.
All participants get a timing chip, SAG Support, at least one fully stocked rest stop, and free food and beverage at the Expo. Participants in the Gran get an event jersey with their registration. To learn more about the event and to register, visit http://granfondohincapie.com.
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George Hincapie to ride in the 2016 Assault on Mount Mitchell
If you’re not able to ride with George at his Gran Fondo in South Carolina, you can catch him here in North Carolina this May at the Freewheelers Cycling Association’s 2016 Assault on Mount Mitchell, scheduled for May 16. The world-champion cyclist with many professional victories to his credit, is no stranger to The Assaults course as he has ridden it several times.
“I am excited to be partnering up with The Assaults once again,” stated George Hincapie. “The Assaults is one of the original mass participation cycling events in the Western Carolinas, and Hincapie Sports is also proud to be the jersey provider for the ride. I look forward to riding up Mount Mitchell again.”
During his 19-year professional career, Hincapie was known as a premier cyclist and valued teammate. He has competed in many world-renowned events, including the Olympics, the Ronde van Vlaanderen races, Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, Milan-San Remo and US National Road Race.
The Freewheelers Cycling Association is excited to welcome George Hincapie back to The Assaults for another ride.
“We are thrilled George Hincapie has chosen to join us for the 2016 Assaults,” said Katie Jordan, Director of The Assaults. “The Hincapie brand is strong and well known locally, nationally, and internationally, so George’s participation will further enhance this one-of-a-kind, premier cycling experience.”
Registration is now open for The Assault on Mount Mitchell and its sister race, The Assault on Marion. Participants and cycling enthusiasts can also purchase Hincapie Sportswear kits and other merchandise online now.
A bucket list ride for serious cyclists, The Assaults is one of the most intense, premier cycling experiences in the Southeast, and draws a full field of nearly 1,000 cyclists from across the world each spring to ride from Spartanburg, S.C. to either Marion, N.C. (74.2 miles) or the top of Mount Mitchell (102.7 miles). To learn more, register, sponsor or volunteer, visit www.theassaults.com or email director@theassaults.com.
The Freewheelers Cycling Association is the organization behind The Assaults. The Freewheelers is a Spartanburg, S.C.-based, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community service organization founded in 1973 whose mission is to provide education and promotion of bicycle safety and a forum for amateur sports competition and touring. To learn more about The Freewheelers, visit their website at www.freewheelers.info.
