Interview with GFNY Germany boss Paul Fasse

Cycling: The global Gran Fondo New York racing series is coming to Germany. On August 28, 2016, the GFNY Germany in Hamelin. Velomotion spoke exclusively to race organizer Paul Fasse.

Paul, before we talk about the German event: What is the GFNY racing series?

These are fairly demanding races for everyone, or bike marathons, both in terms of the kilometers raced and the meters in altitude that have to be covered. The streets are closed to traffic or at least secured by the police in such a way that cyclists have the right of way at all crossings. Time is measured using a chip system. The eponymous main event is the Gran Fondo in New York City, which always takes place in May. There are other GFNY events in Italy, France, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico. Germany will be added in 2016, and the series is also expanding into Asia with the GFNY Indonesia. Licensed drivers are also allowed. The best qualify for the GFNY Championships in New York.

How did you come to Hamelin as a venue for GFNY Germany and why is this the perfect location for the event?

Hamelin is world famous for the Pied Piper legend. The city center offers the most suitable structures for hosting such an event. And in the surrounding Weserbergland you will find everything a racing cyclist's heart desires: crisp climbs and fast descents in a really beautiful environment.

Was it difficult to get the necessary permits?

Right from the start of my planning, I only received positive feedback: from the mayor, the district administrator, the police and also Hameln Marketing Tourismus GmbH. Many doors were open. That strengthened my belief that I was in the right place at the right time with the right event idea. Everyone can understand how important goodwill is on the part of the administration, the city and all other actors. Nothing is more grueling than tough negotiations and headwinds.

What is the philosophy of the race, what kind of experiences are waiting for the starters?

A GFNY race should give the participants - from ambitious racers to finishers - the feeling of being taken seriously. It is a challenge for everyone that needs to be overcome. The motto everywhere is: "Be a pro for a day", "Feel like a pro for a day". This means that a service should be offered around the race that deserves to be called a service. It starts with welcoming the guests at the Bike Expo in Hamelin and ends with the award ceremonies and the catering during and after the race. The emphasis here is on quality. Overcooked spaghetti with ketchup from a field kitchen, like the ones I was slapped onto my paper plate with rubber gloves at an event, will not exist. In addition, Hamelin alone is worth a trip. We also plan for the participants to get to know the Pied Piper in person and to experience a theatrical performance at the historic horse market in the old town.

Where does the route lead, what awaits the participants in the saddle?

There are two routes to choose from: a medio fondo over almost 100 kilometers with 1.086 meters in altitude and a gran fondo with 165 kilometers and 2.214 kilometers. Start and finish are in the old town of Hamelin. The route is comparable to a spring classic, has numerous steep climbs and descents, but also fast flat sections where you are happy about every slipstream. Special highlights in the Weserbergland are certainly the Ottensteiner high plateau, the winding passage to Börry and the climbs to Ith and to the Schaumburg. The latter is where things really get down to business: 4 kilometers with a gradient of 12 percent in places. Once the King of the Mountain has been found there, it curves back down in the direction of Hamelin and the destination in the old town.

Registration is currently 75 euros, not cheap compared to other amateur races...

Okay, everyone's races are available elsewhere and maybe even cheaper. But anyone who thinks that you can earn a million euros with an event like this and that would be the main driving force is on the wrong track. I went to New York in 2014 and if the Gran Fondo was $25 and was a budget option, I wouldn't have flown there for €600 plus hotel expenses. It was just right and good - worth every dollar. That is the difference. And the seal of quality also applies to the GFNY Germany. Of course, running an event in NYC is more expensive than in Hamelin, but there are also a lot of expenses here.

There is also competition from the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon and Alpenbrevet, which take place on the same weekend. What is your main argument for starting in Hamelin?

Anyone who wants to ride the Ötztaler should do so - if they get a place... But why should the good, big amateur races only take place in big cities or on extreme routes, does it really have to be like that? In Hamelin, the whole city will be on their feet to watch the Gran Fondo! Then there are the tourists. There will be an atmosphere there that you just won't find anywhere else. You just have to be there once to get an idea.

A special feature of the GFNY events are the jerseys.

Yes, they are included in the price. All drivers are required to wear the event jersey during the race. On the one hand because of the sensational optical effect, and on the other hand it makes it easier for everyone involved to recognize the participants. This is important for the police as well as for the photographers, caterers and the staff of GFNY Germany.

Should the GFNY Germany primarily appeal to local starters or encourage an international target group to visit Germany?

Both - the GFNY Germany is of course open to everyone, of course. But it will only be really nice if we can also get the international flair, the more international the better. This creates a global sense of togetherness that is incomparable. Naturally, local drivers are just as important to us. Especially those who have the race on their doorstep should be able to let off steam on their police-secured and closed home routes.

In recent months, the subject of doping in amateur sport has heated tempers, some successful athletes have been convicted, and a large number of unreported cases is likely. However, many organizers have difficulties with doping controls. What is GFNY Germany's position on doping?

Just like in New York, we don't want any doped drivers or ex-professionals with a history of abuse in Hamelin. They could ride along, but without timekeeping. In addition, they are not allowed to intervene in the racing action. I will try to persuade NADA to be present at our event. Unfortunately, this either costs a lot of money or requires a great deal of persuasion – I will try.

What is your personal drive as a race organizer, what would you like to achieve?

I've already taken part in quite a few Gran Fondi and I've always had my thoughts about it. My participation in the GF in New York in 2014 was such a key experience for me. The internationality and the atmosphere before, during and after the race were unique - I would like to create that for the GFNY Germany in Hameln as well. And as I said: With what Hamelin has to offer, it should normally work without any problems with the super experience.

How did you get into the position of race organizer?

That is quickly told. I rode the last GFNY Puerto Rico. There weren't them 5.000 drivers like in New York City, it was rather manageable. Also, besides my wife, there were two tough guys and GFNY boss Uli Fluhme only five Germans there, so you found each other quickly. After a lengthy conversation with Uli and his wife and comrade-in-arms Lidia, as well as a few e-mails between Germany and the USA, Uli finally came up with the brilliant suggestion: "You better be the organizer" - no sooner said than done - let's go.

How do you see the ideal development for GFNY Germany in the coming years?

For me, the ideal development looks like this: First of all, we work hard to ensure that the first edition is a success. This is essential. After that, I hope that the good news will spread further and that even more drivers and supporters will be found for the GFNY Germany. Finally, in the third year, I hope to consolidate what I have already achieved and continue to be successful.

Paul, thank you very much for the interview and all the best for the event.