WATCH LIVE ON APRIL 19TH The race is called “The Growler”, and is but one component of the 16 year old mass-participation ride known as Levi’s GranFondo. The ride has existed here since 2009, and was founded by former WorldTour professional Levi Leipheimer as a way to give back to his community, and share the very roads that shaped his career. The event hosts thousands of participants from around the world each year, but fewer than 200 with the capacity to reach the top step are invited to compete in The Growler. The Growler of Levi's GranFondo is America's toughest road race. There is no equal. It is as hard if not harder than some of the biggest one day classics, and will be the most difficult challenge many of today’s competitors will face as it features 4,200 meters of elevation spread over more than 220 kilometers of highly technical, narrow roads that Sonoma County is famous for in the world of cycling–a selection of roads that were pivotal during the late Coors Classic, and Amgen Tour of California races. The beauty and ruggedness of this mythical place at the edge of our continent is indescribable. Coupled with the pure exhilaration of racing a bicycle through such sinuous roads is the inspiration for what you will see today. There will be ten winners in each of the men’s and women’s fields as our top athletes of the day battle for a share of a $156,000 prize purse. This payout makes The Growler the richest one-day professional road bike race in the world, thanks to the incredible support of our title sponsor Skipstone Winery, nestled at the end of the final mountain of the day: the Geysers. @iamspecialized @zennioptical @skipstonewines @BikeMonkey @LeviLeipheimer @AshBritt_News @assos_com @volerapparel @KRCBNews @Cyclingnewsfeed @velonews @gcntweet @PezCycling @BicyclingMag @sonomacounty

Today we're appreciating a day without Facebook by offering 20% off Levi's GranFondo which now takes place April 23rd. The offer is good for as long as it's down (psst, hackers who like deals...). Use the code "breakfree" when you sign up (w/o quotes). levisgranfondo.com