Gran Fondo New England is becoming the Eddy Merckx New England Gran Fondo.

Also, it will move forward a day to the Saturday of KMC Cross Fest at Thompson Speedway.

In 2016, I had a blast riding the 104-mile Gran Fondo with its gravel sections and quiet winding roads with the added bonus of taking in the buzz and spectacle of top-level cyclocross racing.

(Read a report on the 2016 Gran Fondo.)

Off-camber fun. Credit: KMC Cross Fest
In 2017, the Eddy Merckx New England Gran Fondo will be on Saturday, September 30. Riders can choose from a number of different routes, all of which will return in time for a post-ride meal prior to the start of the elite cyclocross races.

"The course, time of year and nature of the event ties in perfectly with what we see to be a true Belgian style fondo," said Brad Accettella, US director for Eddy Merckx Cycles. "Multiple route options with the perfect mix of gravel, pavement and climbing will give participants an epic day of riding to remember."

"We are looking forward to making the day truly special for Merckx owners, with special starting location, and other opportunities," said Heather Rizzi, Eddy Merckx Cycles national sales manager, adding, "I am looking forward to riding myself!"

The profile of the 2016 Gran Fondo/Major Taylor Century.
Other changes for the ninth edition of KMC Cross Fest — the second at the the Thompson Speedway — include an MTB "gran fondo" and an expansion to four days to accommodate a dealer-media day. The Fest will run from September 28 to October 1.

"Our new home in Thompson is perfectly suited to create a demo event for both dealers and consumers. We have a closed road circuit, miles of gravel roads, and a network of nearby mountain bike trails," said Richard Fries, co-founder of the event which moved from Providence to the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in 2016.

"Just like Laguna Seca, this venue is built to host large events. We have classrooms, a bar, restaurants and banquet facilities capable of hosting multiple clinics and demos."

Organizers say that while the UCI cyclocross competition will remain the premier focus of the event, additional family friendly and non-racing activities will be available for riders and spectators alike. Thompson Speedway lends itself to a more festival like feel with additional evening activities, a massive expo and the Paddock Party.

Located within an hour's drive of Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Hartford and Providence, Thompson is positioned in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner" near the border with Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

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