Levi's GranFondo Welcomes New Title Sponsor and Increased Prizes for Cyclists

Levi's GranFondo Announces Exciting Changes for 2025

The esteemed Levi's GranFondo, an annual road cycling event that seamlessly combines professional cycling with community fun, has just announced a new partnership with Skipstone, a limited-production winery located in the picturesque Alexander Valley. This collaboration aims to elevate the event significantly, marking it as the richest one-day road race globally, with an expanded prize purse for professional cyclists.

Scheduled to take place on April 19, 2025, this year’s Levi's GranFondo promises thrilling competitions among elite racers, including defending champions Lauren De Crescenzo and Keegan Swenson. One of the standout participants will be Luke Lamperti, a local cyclist who started racing in his youth and now rides for the UCI WorldTeam Soudal–Quick-Step.

The collaboration with Skipstone is set to inject substantial funds into the event, with a total prize purse of $156,000 to be awarded across various categories, incentivizing not only professional cyclists but also fostering community involvement and support for younger athletes. The prize distribution will feature amounts for the top finishers, showcasing a progressive approach to revitalizing the domestic road racing scene in the U.S.

Levi Leipheimer, founder of Levi's GranFondo, expressed his gratitude toward Skipstone’s involvement, stating, “Together, we aim to reinvigorate domestic road bike racing. By investing in our roots, and the foundation of professional racing we will support and inspire the next generation of US athletes.”

Since its inception in 2009, Levi's GranFondo has not only aimed to promote competitive cycling but has been deeply committed to giving back to the community, particularly through their partnership with the King Ridge Foundation. This nonprofit organization has benefitted greatly from the cyclers' participation, raising over $3 million for at-risk youth across the nation. The event also promotes a model where participants under the age of 23 can ride for free, emphasizing inclusivity at all levels of the cycling community.

Additionally, the event will continue its support of local charities, thanks to its longstanding relationship with the King Ridge Foundation. This partnership serves as a beacon of hope for many organizations dedicated to assisting at-risk youth, distributing vital funds and bicycles throughout the years.

Fahri Diner, the proprietor of Skipstone, highlighted the winery's enthusiasm in teaming up with Levi's GranFondo, saying, “Our home turf in Sonoma County is not only the ideal location for this event, but also a lovely place to visit any time for countless reasons.”

As cycling continues to gain momentum and recognition across the globe, Levi's GranFondo is poised to expand its impact and engagement in the community, showcasing the spirit of resilience within the cycling community. Through innovative sponsorships and the dedication of its organizers, the event stands as a testament to the potential of sport in bringing people together and fostering future talent amidst the backdrop of picturesque Sonoma County.

To learn more about Levi's GranFondo, or to register for this year’s event, interested participants can visit www.LevisGranFondo.com or reach out via email for inquiries.