Own the road at GranFondo
Thousands of Cyclists set to take the Big Ride
In Italian, the words “gran fondo” literally mean “big ride.” But if you want the technical definition, it’s most concisely referred to as “a long-distance road cycling event in which a large number of cyclists ride a marked route.”
Every year, thousands of cyclists pedal their road bikes, touring bikes and even unicycles up the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. This is GranFondo Whistler, the only day of the year cyclists enjoy the luxury of a dedicated car-free lane along the entire route. Every rider is chip timed and able to make the event as competitive as they want, whether that’s leading a breakaway north of Squamish, sprinting to the finish line in Whistler Village or just cruising past the views of Howe Sound with friends. While many British Columbians participate, the event attracts cyclists from all over the world, who seek to safely ride this picturesque 122-kilometre stretch of tarmac from the Pacific Ocean up into the Coast Mountains.
There is of course a group of riding élite who treat GranFondo Whistler like any other road race. For them, the Giro race is the same 122-kilometre distance, but riders must be UCI licensed in Category 1, 2 or 3, with the first twenty men and women receiving prize money. The top prize for 2016? A cool $15,000.
For riders who want to participate but don’t feel up to training for the full 122-kilometre course, the 55-kilometre Medio event returns for 2016, starting in Squamish. This is the perfect event for those new to the sport of road cycling.
Yet for returning veterans or fitness fiends, the regular course just isn’t enough. The 152-kilometre Forte route does not disappoint, adding a gruelling 800 metres of vertical climb and descent on Cypress Mountain before rejoining the highway and pedalling all the way to Whistler. The Forte is not for the faint-hearted, with all 500 riders needing to maintain an average speed of 20 kilometres per hour.
But the most rewarding part of Granfondo Whistler is the post-ride celebrations. From 10 a.m. onwards on September 10 (race day), Whistler Olympic Plaza comes alive in a sea of spandex as riders cross the line and enjoy live music, a gourmet meal and refreshing beverages. The whole family is welcome in the plaza and the kids even have their own Family Fundo race in Day Lot 4, open for all ages.
Whether you’re an aspiring road cyclist or experienced racer, the GranFondo Whistler is the best cycling you’ll experience through Sea to Sky country. See you at the finish line.