COZUMEL, Mexico –  Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, the only luxury hotel in Cozumel, and member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso, will be host hotel for the GFNY Cozumel, a new Gran Fondo cycling event taking place on Nov. 23, 2014. 

Paradise Sports Management of Cozumel and GFNY World of New York City will be producing the event, combining the island's growing reputation as a cycling destination with the Gran Fondo New York, the most successful and authentic Gran Fondo brand in the United States.  Gran Fondo or "big rides" in Italian are mass-start amateur road cycling events originating in Italy in the early 1900s that have enjoyed incredible popularity in Europe and are now gaining great momentum in North America.

GFNY Cozumel includes a distance of 100 miles and 50 miles for elite amateur racers. The event will feature GFNY's classic Italian Gran Fondo formula allowing cyclists to ride or race over difficult, scenic and traffic-free roads together with Cozumel's two-lane beachside roads, challenging Caribbean winds and tropical sun.

Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa is offering participants and spectators a special rate of U.S. $239 per night pool view, $286 ocean view, $343 beach front and $383 ocean suite.  All rates are European Plan, subject to 19 percent tax and $12 service charge.  Room rates are for two adults and two children ages 16 and younger including bike mechanical services, preferential rates on sport massages and free access to wet areas at The Spa, complimentary WIFI access in guest rooms and public areas, and customized meals for athletes.

Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and is located on a half mile of white, sandy beach, surrounded by green vegetation and just steps from  one of the world's largest coral reef systems.  Resort amenities include four restaurants and three bars, a world-class spa, 24-hour fitness center, tennis, Scuba Du in-house PADI dive shop and Chiqui Club year-round children's program.  Guests can also enjoy swimming with the dolphins at Chankanaab National Park or golf at the nearby Nicklaus-designed Cozumel Country Club.  

The resort has received the 2014 TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice Award as one of the top hotels in Mexico, was also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Best Hotel in Cozumel in its Best Hotel rankings for 2014, and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine for its Alfredo Di Roma gourmet restaurant.

For hotel reservations and information, visit http://www.intercontinentalcozumel.com, or call toll free from the USA (800) 327-0200.   For registration and more information on GFNY Cozumel, go to:  www.GFNYCozumel.com.