RBC GranFondo Whistler

September 12, 2020

RBC GranFondo Whistler is back for its eleventh year, and in 2020 will host the official UCI GranFondo World Championships. Welcoming amateur and competitive participants alike, the ride from Vancouver to Whistler offers beautiful landscapes and a clear, traffic-free passage along the Sea to Sky Highway. There are three distance options including 55 km, 122 km and 152 km. Stay in Whistler for fun at the finish line with celebrations and family events, plus great deals on accommodation and return passenger and bike transportation to Vancouver.

2019 Events & Schedule

Here's a look at what happened in 2019. Please check back for a new schedule closer to the 2020 event date.

New for 2019: RBC GranFondo Whistler is now an official UCI GranFondo World Series event. Riders can endeavour to be in the top 20 per cent of their age group to qualify for the amateur-only, UCI GranFondo World Championships event to follow in 2020. RBC GranFondo Whistler still offers the usual three distance options, 55 km, 122 km and 152 km, for those not interested in the race series.

2019 Race Schedule

Friday, September 6, 2019
11 AM – 8 PM	Package Pickup at the VeloSpoke Bike Expo (free and open to the public with over 50 vendors)
Saturday, September 7, 2019
5:30 AM	Start Corrals Open
6:05 AM	Forte 152km Start
6:40 AM	St Regis Cup Start (3 min delay between categories)
6:50 AM	Alta Classe Start
7 AM	GranFondo 122km Start - Stanley Park
9:15 AM	Medio Start - Whistler
10 AM	First Riders Expected
10 AM - 5 PM	Celebration Plaza Open
10 AM - 12 PM	iRIDE Jam - Kid’s ride (ages 6+)
1 PM	Awards
1:45 PM	Free Outdoor Concert at Whistler Olympic Plaza: Famous Players Band
2 PM	Truck departs for Saturday Bike return (pre-booking required)
4 PM	Bike Check Closes (all bikes to be picked up by 4:30 PM)
4 PM	Return Passenger Transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required)
4 PM	Finish Line Closes
5 PM	Celebration Plaza Closes
5 – 9 PM	SIDECUT Modern Steak + Bar’s Summer BeerBQ at Fours Seasons Resort Whistler
6:30 – 8:30 PM	Saturday Bike pick-up in Vancouver (pre-booking required)
8 PM – 2 AM	RBC GranFondo Whistler After-Party at Buffalo Bills
Sunday, September 8, 2019
10 AM – 2:30 PM	Return passenger transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required)
12 – 4 PM	Family Studio Sunday at Audain Art Museum
10 AM - 5 PM	Sunday Bike pick-up in Vancouver

*Schedule subject to change. Events may require registration.

2019 Post-Race Celebrations

Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Description: Celebrate the ride with friends and family in the Plaza. Featuring meals, refreshments, kids playground, live entertainment and a beer garden.

Outdoor Concert

Time: 1:45 – 2:25 PM & 3 – 3:35 PM
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Artists: Famous Players Band with special guest appearances by recording artists Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo and Barney Bentall.

Free iRide Expo for Kids

Time: Registration opens 10 AM. Ride from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Day Lot 4 (beside the finish line on Blackcomb Way)
Ages: 6 and above
Ability: Kids who can ride a two-wheel bike with pedals (no striders/kick bikes please)
Registration: There is on-site registration available on a first-come/first-serve basis. Please be aware that parents need to remain with their kids.
Description: The iRide Expo offers group activities for kids led by qualified coaches and is aimed at building skills for a lifelong enjoyment of cycling. Kids will be split into various groups based on age and skill level. Each group will work with an iRide coach to develop skills and abilities.

Awards Ceremony

Time: 1 PM
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Description: Watch top riders receive their medals and prize money onstage.

Training

The only way to train for the RBC GranFondo is to pedal, pedal, pedal. A pre-ride is a great way to become familiar with the course, know the challenges and plan pacing for yourself on the day (and stop for pictures along the way). Why not plan a pre-ride and meet the family in Whistler for a night or two in the mountains, or stay and tackle some of the other road rides in the area to enhance your mountain legs?

Transportation

Bike and passenger transport is available for your return trip to Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday so you can relax and enjoy some well-deserved recovery time in Whistler
Transportation is also available from Vancouver to Whistler on Friday night
Take advantage of free Whistler Transit on Saturday, September 7 until 6 PM

Please see the RBC GranFondo website to see and book options.

Recovery

No need to rush off after the ride – there are plenty of places to stay and enjoy a relaxing recovery in Whistler.

Find the perfect accommodation for a deep sleep after the event
Soak your muscles in your own hot tub or book a post-race massage at one of Whistler's spas
Join up with other participants in one of Whistler's bars, pubs or restaurants to raise a glass in victory
Turn it into an outdoor adventure weekend. Try bungee jumping, mountain biking or another summer activity
If you prefer to rest after the race, ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, take a gentle hike or chill out by one of Whistler’s five beautiful lakes

Traffic Impacts

On Saturday, September 12, more than 4,500 cyclists will be participating in RBC GranFondo Whistler.

Participants in the RBC GranFondo and Forte categories will start at Vancouver’s Stanley Park, head up along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway and end at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Riders in the Medio category will start in Whistler, head south down the Highway, take a scenic detour up to the Callaghan Valley and loop back to cross the same finish line as everyone else.

As a result, there will be traffic impacts including rolling road closures and areas of reduced speed along the route. It is advised that motorists plan travel well in advance, drive with caution, follow signs and expect delays.