RBC GranFondo Whistler

September 8, 2018

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.

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.

Schedule

2018 Race Schedule Coming Soon

Friday September 8, 2017
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM	Package Pickup at the VeloSpoke Bike Expo (Free and Open to the public with over 60 vendors).
Saturday September 9, 2017
5:30 AM	Start Corrals Open
6:05 AM	Forte 152km Start
6:15 AM	Giro Corral Open
6:40 AM	Giro Start (5 min delay before the Giro women start at 6:45)
6:50 AM	Alta Classe Start
7:00 AM	GranFondo Waves - 122km
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+). Sign up required by 10:00 AM.
1:00 PM	Awards
1:30 PM	Outdoor Concert at Whistler Olympic Plaza: Ruckus Deluxe
1:30 PM	Bike Check Closes for Saturday bike return (pre-booking required)
3:30 PM	Return Passenger Transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required)
4:00 PM	Finish Line Closes
4:00 PM	Bike Check Closes (all bikes to be picked up by 4:30 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
9:00 PM	Event Day Video Release @ 9:00 PM SHARP!
Sunday September 10, 2017
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.

2017 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: TBA

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 (no striders 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

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 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 get 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 recovery time in Whistler.

Transportation is also available to get you to Whistler from Vancouver on Friday night.

Please see 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 the lakes

Travel Tips

On Saturday, September 8 more than 4,000 cyclists will be participating in RBC GranFondo Whistler. Participants in the GranFondo and Forte categories will start from 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.

View 2017 Traffic Impact information from the RBC GranFondo. 2018 information to be posted as soon as it is available.

Ride, Stay, Recover Package - Book by June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 to comply.