Florida woman earns second place at UCI Gran Fondo in Japan

Karla Antonio, a 56-year-old cyclist from Stuart, Florida, achieved second place in the women's 55-59 time trial at the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships held in Niseko, Japan from August 26-30. The event consisted of multiple races, including a time trial where individual racers compete separately. Antonio, who transitioned from triathlons to cycling over the past six years, expressed her excitement at qualifying for the world championship by winning the national championship in May. Recently, she also secured first place in the women's 50-59 time trial at the Florida State Time Trial Championships on September 20. Antonio faced challenges traveling internationally with her bike and adapting to the race conditions in Japan.

• 9:01 AMYahoo Sports — Florida woman places in UCI Gran Fondo World Championship in Japan