CYCLING LEGENDS CHRIS FROOME AND ALBERTO CONTADOR TO HEADLINE THE 2026 BEST BUDDIES CHALLENGE: NEW YORK PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS AND WELLS FARGO

Event proceeds will support Best Buddies' mission of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce that Tour de France Legends Chris Froome and Alberto Contador will lead the 2026 Best Buddies Challenge: New York, presented by Jersey Mike's Subs and Wells Fargo. on Saturday, October 3. This year, 750 people are expected to participate in the Challenge – a charity ride, run, and walk to benefit Best Buddies International. The event is expected to raise $4 Million for Best Buddies programs.

"The energy we felt in New York last year was incredible, and we're thrilled to bring the Best Buddies Challenge: New York back for its second year," said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. "This event brings together an amazing community of riders, supporters, and friends who share our passion for creating a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to believe in our mission and support this event, and I'm excited to build on that momentum and make this year even more impactful."

The Challenge kicks off on Friday, October 2, with a welcome reception at the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City. On Saturday, October 3, professional cyclists Chris Froome and Alberto Contador will lead hundreds of cyclists from the starting line in New York City for the picturesque 100-mile ride portion of the Best Buddies Challenge: New York. The 100-mile riders will embark from New York City and cross the George Washington Bridge to continue north along the Hudson River Valley to Bear Mountain State Park. From the summit, riders will roll through Harriman State Park and continue west to finish at Glenmere Mansion in the Ramapo Mountains.

The Challenge is open to participants of all ages and abilities and is designed to showcase the Best Buddies mission in action. It also features alternative 72 and 33-mile cycling routes. 

This year's Challenge sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors Jersey Mike's Subs and Wells Fargo. Central Park Sponsors BODYARMOR – Official Water & Sports Beverage Partner of Best Buddies; fairlife; Klingman & Associates; and The Coca-Cola Company – Official Beverage Partner of Best Buddies; Hudson Valley Sponsors: Citadel; The Charles A. Mastronardi Foundation; Volvo Car USA; and The Farmer's Dog; Glenmere Sponsors: BNY Mellon, Citco, Liberty Beverages Coca-Cola, UBS, WMC Health; and Official Bike Sponsor Pinarello.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:  

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 4,000 elementary, middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies' programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 41 countries, positively impacting the lives of 1.5 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.  

SOURCE Best Buddies International