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Over the last two years we have dismantled, and reconstructed Levi's GranFondo in the image of North American professional road racing. Unwittingly, we've created a monster that must be fed. What does it eat? Fresh, invigorating new ideas. So what's new in 2026?
An improved finish line experience.
We're hard at work improving the way the Gran Fondo and the Growler safely reach the finish line in Windsor, California. With a redesigned finish that has better access for viewers, all participants will be seen and celebrated for their accomplishments. There will still be two separate finish lines, but they'll be accessed differently, allowing for them to be placed more favorably next to the Windsor Town Green.
We're adding a new aid station for Piccolo, Medio and Geysers participants.
A brand new aid station will be added at mile 15 along the course to alleviate some of the congestion experienced at the Cloverdale stop, and to provide relief for folks who need an earlier break. This was in the works for 2025 before Wohler Bridge construction work and a major slide prevented us from accessing Westside Road. With the Wohler Bridge project complete, the new, earlier aid station position is back in play.
Even better live streaming coverage is coming.
We will once again be live-streaming the Growler Road Race as we expect to field an even deeper pool of international talent in the mens and womens fields, and we will be increasing coverage with the addition of more media motos and vantage points. New technologies are being developed with our partners to enhance the viewing experience. Whether you're watching in person or from thousands of miles away the action will be even more immersive than it was in 2025.
Registration for all non-racing gran fondo routes will open on Friday, August 1st for all non-competitive gran fondo routes. With the completion of the Wohler Bridge Road project, we will eliminate the Piccolino route in favor of a shorter Piccolo route at 32 miles which is the perfect distance to bridge the gap that separated our two shortest timed routes. This also means that the family ride will no longer impact finishers of the shortest routes marking a significant overall improvement to the earlier finisher experience.
Registration for the Growler road race and all junior racing competitors will not coincide with registration for the Gran Fondo, as the Growler and Junior road race is decidedly more complex in nature due a strict application process which requires athlete vetting. Applications will begin being accepted in September.
We hope to see you there!
