Cycling Legends Chris Froome and Alberto Contador led the ride from New York City to the Iconic Glenmere Mansion in the Ramapo Mountains

New York City, October, 5, 2026 – 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), hosted its 2026 Best Buddies Challenge: New York, presented by Jersey Mike's Subs and Wells Fargo on Saturday, October 3. Cycling legends and Tour de France Champions Chris Froome and Alberto Contador led the Challenge – a charity ride, run, and walk benefiting Best Buddies International. In total, 700 guests attended the event which raised $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 kicked 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 led hundreds of cyclists from the starting line in New York City’s Central Park for the picturesque 100-mile ride portion of the Best Buddies Challenge: New York. The 100-mile riders embarked from New York City and crossed the George Washington Bridge, then continued north along the Hudson River Valley to Bear Mountain State Park. From the summit, riders rolled through Harriman State Park and continued 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.

Celebrity guests who attended the weekend’s festivities included Christopher Schwarzenegger, newly crowned Miss America 2027 Regan Hutsell, and influencer Kyle Landi.

At Glenmere Mansion, guests enjoyed a gourmet luncheon and an afternoon of inspiring entertainment featuring performers Billy Blanks Jr, Mia Rodriguez, Echo Picone, Sharon Catherine Brown, Brody Grant, and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Marlana VanHoose.

During the celebration, Best Buddies Founder Anthony K. Shriver joined by Best Buddies Ambassadors, recognized the event’s top individual and team fundraisers, and riders with the fastest times from each starting line. The festivities also featured an exciting live auction, and a limited-edition Best Buddies X Pinarello Dogma F bike sold for $17,000 each to Best Buddies supporters.

The 2026 Best Buddies Challenge: New York was a success, and an excellent stride in making the world more inclusive for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year’s Challenge sponsors included: 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; The Farmer's Dog; and Bel Brands; Glenmere Sponsors: BNY Mellon, Citco, Liberty Beverages Coca-Cola, UBS, WMCHealth; and Official Bike Sponsor Pinarello.

For more information on the Best Buddies Challenge events, visit bestbuddieschallenge.org.