RBC GranFondo Whistler & UCI World Championships
On Wednesday, May 6, the provincial government of British Columbia announced their 4 phase reopening plan for the province. Events and mass gatherings, including the RBC GranFondo Whistler, will only be permitted within the fourth phase of the planned normalization of operations, and would fall past their scheduled date. Given this announcement, they have no alternative but to cancel this year’s RBC GranFondo Whistler scheduled for September 12, 2020. Further details at www.rbcgranfondo.com.
RBC GranFondo Whistler is now also an official UCI GranFondo World Series event. 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.
2020 GranFondo Events & Schedule
Have a look at what was scheduled for 2020 and check back again for 2021 event information.
The largest Gran Fondo in North America, RBC GranFondo Whistler is inclusive, open to everyone, and in 2020 offers the 122 km Gran Fondo and 55 km Medio categories. Choose you distance and register at rbcgranfondo.com.
2020 Race Schedule
Friday, September 11, 2020
|
| 11 AM – 8 PM |
Package Pickup at the VeloSpoke Bike Expo (free and open to the public with over 60,000 sq.ft. of exhibitors, displays and live activations) |
Saturday, September 12, 2020
|
| 7:30 AM |
Start Corrals Open |
| 8:30 AM |
Gran Fondo 122km waves start |
| 9:15 AM |
Medio Start - Whistler |
| 11:40 AM |
First Riders Expected |
| 10 AM - 5 PM |
Celebration Plaza Open |
| 10 AM - 12 PM |
iRIDE Expo – Kid’s ride (ages 6 - 13) |
| TBD |
Awards |
| TBD |
Free Outdoor Concert at Whistler Olympic Plaza |
| TBD |
Truck departs for Saturday Bike return (pre-booking required) |
| 4 PM |
Bike Check Closes (all bikes to be picked up by 4:30 PM) |
| TBD |
Return Passenger Transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required) |
| 5:10 PM |
Finish Line Closes |
| 5 PM |
Celebration Plaza Closes |
| TBD |
Saturday Bike pick-up in Vancouver (pre-booking required) |
| 9 PM – 2 AM |
RBC GranFondo Whistler After-Party at Tommys Lounge x Nightclub |
Sunday, September 13, 2020
|
| TBD |
Return passenger transportation to Vancouver (pre-booking required) |
| 12 – 4 PM |
Family Studio Sunday at Audain Art Museum |
| TBD |
Sunday Bike pick-up in Vancouver |
|
|
*Schedule subject to change. Events may require registration.
2020 Post-Race Celebrations
Time: 9 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: TBA
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Artists: TBA
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 – 13
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: TBD
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Description: Watch top riders receive their medals and prize money onstage.
2020 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships
Riders that have previously qualified at a UCI Gran Fondo World Series event can wear the famous Rainbow Jersey and partake in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, held in North America for the first time. Haven’t qualified? Learn more at rbcgranfondo.com.
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, 2020, approximately 5,000 cyclists are expected to ride from Vancouver to Whistler in the RBC GranFondo Whistler and the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. 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.
GranFondo Accommodation Partners
Click on any logo above to check availability at our partner hotels.