Join fellow road cycling enthusiasts in the RBC GranFondo Whistler as they cycle the iconic route on the Sea to Sky Highway, over 122 kilometres of stunning mountain roads. Stay for the fun at the finish line celebrations and family events with great deals on accommodation and full passenger and bike transportation back to Vancouver.
Schedule
New for 2018: The 55 km Medio category will start and finish in Whistler, with athletes travelling south along the Sea to Sky Corridor towards the Callaghan Valley, before looping back up to the festivities at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
2018 Race Schedule
Friday September 7, 2018
|
| 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Package Pickup at the VeloSpoke Bike Expo (Free and Open to the public with over 60 vendors) |
| 1:00 PM |
Transportation to Whistler from VeloSpoke Bike Expo |
| 5:00 PM |
Transportation to VeloSpoke Bike Expo from Whistler |
| 6:00 PM |
Transportation to Whistler from VeloSpoke Bike Expo |
Saturday September 8, 2018
|
| 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 |
| 7:00 AM |
GranFondo Start - Stanley Park |
| 9:15 AM |
Medio Start - Whistler |
| 10:00 AM |
First Riders Expected |
| 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Celebration Plaza Open |
| 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
iRIDE Jam - Kid’s ride (ages 6+) |
| 1:00 PM |
Awards |
| 1:30 PM |
Outdoor Concert at Whistler Olympic Plaza: Nearly Neil and The Solitary Band |
| 1:30 PM |
Bike Check Closes for Saturday bike return (pre-booking required) |
| 4:00 PM |
Return Passenger Transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required) |
| 5:00 PM |
Bike Check Closes (all bikes to be picked up by 5:30 PM) |
| 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM |
Saturday Bike pick-up in Vancouver (pre-booking required) |
| 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM |
RBC GranFondo Whistler After-Party at Buffalo Bills |
Sunday September 9, 2018
|
| 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM |
Return passenger transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required) |
| 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Sunday Bike pick-up |
|
|
*Schedule subject to change. Events may require registration.
2018 Post-Race Celebrations
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 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
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Date: Saturday, September 8
Time: 1:30 PM
Artists: Nearly Neil and The Solitary Band
iRide Jam for Kids
Time: Registration opens 10:00 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 that can ride a two-wheel bike with pedals (no striders/kick bikes please)
Registration: There will on-site registration on a first-come/first-serve basis. Please be aware that parents need to remain with their kids.
Description: The iRide Jam for kids are mini clinics that are aimed at building skills for a lifelong enjoyment of cycling. Kids will be split into various groups based on age and skill levels. Each group will work with an iRide coach to develop skills and abilities.
Awards Ceremony
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Description: Watch the top riders receive their medals and prize money on-stage.
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 how to pace 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 back to Vancouver on both Saturday and Sunday so you can relax and enjoy your well deserved recovery time in Whistler.
Transportation is also available to get you to Whistler from Vancouver on Friday night.
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 to 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
Travel Tips
On Saturday, September 8 more than 4,000 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 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.
Ride, Stay, Recover Package - Offer extended: Book by August 6, 2018
Free Scandinavian Spa with your RBC GranFondo Whistler Accommodation
Completing an epic ride like the RBC GranFondo takes months of hard work – so why rush back to the real world after it’s over?
At Whistler.com we’re covering your recovery with an exclusive Stay and Recover offer: book two nights accommodation in Whistler with us and we’ll give you bath access for two at the Scandinave Spa for free*. Don’t delay, this offer is limited to the first 100 new reservations.
Search below to book the Ride, Stay and Recover package or call 1.800.944.7853 to speak to one of our Whistler-based Travel Consultants.
*Minimum two nights stay between September 6 – 11, 2018, offer valid for new bookings only. Maximum of 2 passes per new booking received, passes cannot be be redeemed as cash or transferred for any other activity. Passes are only available with select event accommodation partners. Offer only available while quantities last for new reservations. Offer only available with accommodation bookings made through the www.whistler.com/events/granfondo event page or via our call centre. Accommodation must be booked by August 6, 2018 to comply.
GranFondo Accommodation Partners
Click on any logo above to check availability at our partner hotels.