Granfondo rolls Sunday around South Okanagan

An estimated 2,200 cyclists will participate in the eighth annual Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan bike ride this Sunday.

The event begins at 7 a.m. in Penticton’s Gyro Park and travels through the towns of Summerland, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls and Oliver before winding its way back to Penticton’s Okanagan Lake Park.

While more than three-quarters of the participants live in B.C., this year’s cycling event has attracted riders from eight countries, as far away as Australia, Denmark, Italy, the Cayman Islands and Japan.

Thirty-three per cent of registrants are women, and riders range in age from 13 to 90 years old. Everyone’s favourite Vancouver Canuck Trevor Linden is registered to ride, say organizers.

Axel Merckx is a former Belgian national cycling champion who now resides in the Okanagan and has organized the Granfondo. Merckx will be joined by four of his Hagens Berman Axeon under-23 pro riders: Sean Bennett, Ian Garrison, Michael Rice and Jonny Brown.

“We’re excited to deliver one of North America’s best cycling events to Penticton and the South Okanagan for an eighth straight year,” says Merckx.

“We are also extremely grateful for amazing volunteers, the City of Penticton and its residents, and our title sponsor, Prospera Credit Union, for their amazing support.”

Once again, the event benefits both the Axel Merckx Youth Development Foundation and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

While riders plan to do a practice ride up Apex Mountain on Saturday, several other activities are planned around Penticton’s downtown core, including the Kids’ Piccolofondo fun bike race at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gyro Park.