2,500 lining up for Granfondo
Ready, set, ride. Up to 2,500 cyclists take to the roads of the South Okanagan on Sunday for the seventh annual Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan.
While more than three-quarters of the participants live in British Columbia, this year’s cycling event will feature riders from the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Netherlands, Singapore, Cayman Islands, United Arab Emirates and France.
Thirty-four per cent are women, and riders range in age from 14-89, with five over 80.
All cyclists will depart at 7 a.m. from Penticton’s Gyro Park before travelling through Summerland, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Kaleden.
Along for the ride will be event namesake, and former Belgian national cycling champion, Axel Merckx, who resides in the Okanagan.
Merckx will be joined by four of his Axeon Hagens Berman under-23 pro riders: Australian Michael Ride and Americans Ian Garrison, Jonny Brown and Neilson Powless, who was recently crowned U23 U.S. road champion.
Vancouver Canucks president Trevor Linden, as well as Curtis Myden, Okanagan-resident and three-time Canadian Olympic medalist in swimming, are among other big names in the event.
New for 2017, the Granfondo weekend also includes the inaugural Apex hill climb race up Apex Mountain on Saturday at 9 a.m.
This separate event, presented by Velofix mobile bike shops, comes on the heels of a recent Cycling Magazine article that named Apex Mountain the second best climb in Canada.
The 12.2-kilometre route up Apex features 861 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.9 per cent — with some pitches up to 20 per cent — a climb worthy of the Tour de France.
“We’re excited to once again bring one of North America’s top cycling events to Penticton and the South Okanagan for a seventh year,” said Merckx.
“This year, Apex race allows some of our intermediate and elite riders the chance to climb against the very best.”
He also noted the event is only possible with assistance from volunteers, the City of Penticton and title sponsor Prospera Credit Union.
In addition to the Axel Merckx Youth Development Foundation, the event will again benefit Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, B.C.’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider.
It delivers care to more than 600 newborns, children and youth and the families who love them.
Last year, the PGAMO raised $6,800 for Canuck Place.
Related activities will be centred around Penticton’s Gyro Park, including the Kids’ Piccolofondo fun bike race on Saturday at 2 p.m.
And the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will host the participants’ package pickup and cycling expo today and Saturday.
A limited number of ride entries are still available on a first-come, first-served basis at the package pickup area.