Race embodies sportsmanship and camaraderie
Two cyclists pushed top performances out of each other Sunday afternoon, crossing the finish line just one second apart after a gruelling 160-kilometre trek.
Behind them were approximately 2,498 more cyclists doing the same, giving it their all while helping their teammates reach their upper limits.
The eighth annual Prospera Axel Merkx Grandfondo Okanagan brought cyclists from all over the world to battle on routes ranging in length between 55 and 160 km.
Brett Boniface of Cloverdale, with a time of four hours, eight minutes and 32 seconds, edged Vancouverite Clarke Lind by one second to cross the line first in the full-distance Granfondo.
The two had battled neck and neck down Main Street toward the finish line.
“Clarke and I rode the last 40 km together,” Boniface said. “We made a gentlemen’s agreement until about one km from the line, then we both gave it our all until the finish.”
Boniface and Clarke had passed Merkx’s team, Axeon Hagens Berman, when they met up with a small group of friends and stayed together for the next 90 km.
“But there was no talking,” Boniface said with a chuckle.
Teams, both formal and informal, were abundant at this year’s race. Marieta Jamett and Georges Bois, both from Vancouver, were one of many couples to cross the finish line holding hands.
“This was my very first riding event and our first event together, said Jamett.” It’s a total rush; my first time covering this distance, and I’m really happy with my times.” Both competed in the 92-km Mediofondo. “We went easy,” added Bois. “We raced together, we finished together and we had fun.”
Daniel McCasker from Portland, Ore., spent his 56 birthday cycling the entire 160 km with his friend, Faber Austin. The two made sure to cross the finish line together.
“We’ve been friends and cycled together for years,” said McCasker. “What a way to spend a birthday.”
Boniface said it’s those experiences, ones spent with family and friends, which make the event special.
“I like the family focus. Besides the race, it’s a great weekend to come up with your family and just enjoy Penticton,” he said.
Merckx, the event namesake and former Belgian national cycling champion, was pleased with the turnout.
“I think we’re really satisfied with the numbers because we know that most events are struggling a little bit and losing participation and we stay pretty steady from year to year,” he said.
“It’s a good sign that people keep coming back.”
Merckx thanked the city of Penticton for continuing to host the event.