4000 Cyclists Climb Sea to Sky
RBC Granfondo Whistler 2018
At the crack of dawn on Saturday, Sept. 8, over 4000 cyclists will stream out of Vancouver’s Stanley Park and climb the Sea-to-Sky Highway all the way to Whistler Village. The RBC Granfondo Whistler allows road riders the unique chance to tackle 1900m of elevation and cover a distance of 122km, all within a lane that’s closed to traffic.
Participants in this annual ride can enter different classes depending on their fitness level or personal goals. The Granfondo 122km is the main ride that stretches from Stanley Park to Whistler Village. If 122km sounds too easy, the Forte 152km class adds a challenging climb up Cypress Mountain to the route.
The Medio 55km offers a shorter option where riders start in Whistler, ride Southbound on the Sea-to-Sky Highway to the Whistler Olympic Park, then return to Whistler Village.
“One of the goals we set ourselves for RBC GranFondo Whistler is encouraging new people into cycling and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. The 55km Medio is a great way to not only do this, but to offer as an inclusive an event as possible,” says Oliver Cartmell, Marketing Manager for the RBC Granfondo.
Cartmell says completing the full route is also attainable for most riders, as it’s not a timed race… for most participants.
“The climbs are mostly gentle and consistent so you can just stay in an easy gear and enjoy the amazing Pacific coastal scenery,” he adds.
For those who feel the need to compete, The St. Regis Cup allows teams of 5-8 riders to race the full Granfondo route, with prizes awarded to the first three placings in each category. Finally, a youth category welcomes cyclists under 19 years old to experience the ride.
Friends, family and spectators are encouraged to cheer on the riders as they cross the finish line in Whistler Village. Everyone can then join the post-race festivities at Olympic Plaza, which include food and drinks, an awards ceremony, plus children’s activities and a free outdoor concert.
Participants can still register for the ride online until 6am on Sept. 4th.
rbcgranfondo.com /whistler. For more information visit whistler.com/events.