Cali is Colombia’s 3rd largest city and the main urban and economic center in the south of the country. The mid-altitude plain of Valle del Cauca is the fertile basin of the Cauca River, between Colombia's Western and Central Andean mountain ranges, which sits at an elevation of 1000-1200 meters above sea level (3300-4000ft). This moderate altitude gives the city a warm, tropical climate that stays consistent throughout the year. The mid-altitude mountains bordering the plain, Farallones de Cali, host spectacular dry and tropical rainforests, and are home to incredible biodiversity. Cali has 12 eco-parks that are a natural attraction for both locals and tourists, with waterfalls, hiking and relaxing.

Cali’s historic downtown is a cultural heritage area. These architectural treasures are framed by stunning natural landscapes, including the hills of Cristo Rey, Las Tres Cruces, and the colorful San Antonio neighborhood. Other must-see sights include Bulevar del Río, Plazoleta Jairo Varela and El Gato del Río. 

Internationally recognized as the Salsa Capital of the World, Cali captivates visitors with its music, spirit, and the genuine warmth of its people. The city’s tropical climate creates the ideal setting to enjoy an active urban lifestyle that perfectly combines sport, fitness, outdoor cafés, restaurants, with the festive spirit and Latin flavor that defines Cali.

Your Cali experience is not complete until you’ve enjoyed the local cuisine such as sancocho valluno, empanadas, cholado, and an incredible variety of tropical fruits unique to the region. As night falls, the city transforms to the rhythm of salsa, with dance schools, live music venues, and unforgettable performances showcasing the passion Cali has for music and dance. Cali is a city that invites every GFNY participant to enjoy, connect, and create unforgettable memories from the moment you arrive.

GFNY Cali race week is headquartered at Centro Comercial Chipichape in the heart of Cali. The pre-race activities like group rides and packet pickup will be held inside the mall courtyard. 

The start and finish line is located on Avenida Sexta, directly beside the mall, providing easy access to the expo, parking, race office, finish festival and activities for your supporters.

You will roll out from Avenida Sexta, one of the city’s most iconic avenues, where warm tropical air and the rhythm of salsa will create an unforgettable atmosphere from the very first kilometers. You will ride northeast towards Yumbo and La Torre, crossing the Cali - Cerrito Oeste bridge over the Cauca River. Over the next many kilometers, you’ll ride along flat and fast sections, passing endless sugar cane fields, where wind strategy and teamwork will play a major role. 

At KM 38, is the split between long and medium routes, with medium route riders making a full loop of the roundabout and heading back to the finish line along Paso La Torre - El Cerrito. In La Torre, you’ll ride along Paso La Torre - Yumbo, and then access the main return route back to Chipichape.

For the long route riders, you’ll continue along the flat and fast section past Sonso, until you reach Buga. The character of the course changes dramatically after Buga. There, the day’s defining challenge begins: the legendary climb from Mediacanoa toward Lago Calima. This Hors Catégorie climb is 11km long and 693m climbing, with an average 6% and maximum 15% incline. It’s not a steady climb, with many sections are 6-10%, a few sections where you get a break with 2-5%. The last 4.5km are the hardest, with several relentless sections of 8-12%. While the climb will test your legs, pacing and determination, the scenery of the surrounding nature will inspire you. During the almost 700m ascent, to 1611masl, the intense valley heat fades into cooler mountain air, surrounded by lush green landscapes, occasional mist, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific-side mountains of Valle del Cauca. Every curve reveals a new scene, turning suffering into a pure epic adventure. This is the signature section of the race.

At the summit of the climb, there is the Lake Calima lookout point, where you can get a glimpse of Colombia’s largest man-made reservoir. You’ll have a 3.5km gradual descent, 2km flat, and a 2.5km with 100m climb to climb back over the pass before descending back toward Loboguerrero and the famous Panorama Road. Here, you’ll be back on flat, fast roads where working with your group will save you time and energy. You’ll pass through traditional towns such as Vijes, San Marcos, and Yumbo. 

The final return into Cali combines fatigue, adrenaline, and emotion, welcomed by the warmth of the local people and the passion that defines your GFNY Cali experience. The  route was created to inspire cyclists from all over the world and showcase why Valle del Cauca is one of Latin America’s great cycling destinations. At the finish line, a festive party will await cyclists and their supporters, with live music, salsa, and celebrating the day’s achievement.

LONG COURSE IS A COMPETITION: Only finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course.

MEDIUM COURSE IS NOT A COMPETITION: The riders of the medium course will be provided their start-to-finish time, but will not be ranked by finish time. All finish times will be listed in alphabetical order.