Register Now for the 2025 Okanagan Granfondo
Over 3,000 cyclists expected at the 13th edition of one of Canada’s Premier Gran Fondos in Penticton, B.C. with 4 new routes
In just over a decade, the Okanagan Granfondo has gained national and international recognition and as one of the top cycling events in Canada and beyond.
Nestled between the stunning lakes of Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake, Penticton, B.C. it has been ranked as Canada’s top cycling destinations. With over 60 wineries within a 20 minutes’ drive, a local farmers market, beautiful beaches and loads of festivals and events throughout the year, Penticton and the South Okanagan has something for the entire family.
One of the most popular elements of the Okanagan Granfondo is the event attracts cyclists of all ages, talents and abilities, from beginners to professionals and former professionals including Former Olympian and professional cyclist and hill climbing ace Phil Gaimon from California.
“I think one of the things that makes the event totally unique … is you have people who have literally just started cycling who come and join us as their first event,” said event communications director Holly Bird. “Then we have a large group of people who are professionals and retired professionals who also come and join us year after year.”
4 NEW Routes for 2025
Like many of the other competitions, the Okanagan Granfondo offers different courses to meet the demands of the competitors.
All four of the distances available to cyclists, from the 155-kilometre Granfondo to the smaller 35-kilometre Cortofondo, have been redesigned, which will start and finish at the new Expo venue at Skaha Lake Park.
"These four new routes have been carefully designed to highlight the beauty of the area while providing a safe, fun and unique experience for every cyclist, regardless of which route they choose," said Jodi Cross, executive director of Okanagan Granfondo Penticton. "For those who are familiar with the event, there will be a fresh take on the cycling journey, and for those who are new we are confident they’ll enjoy a great experience riding these roads.”
By far the most popular race is the 155km Granfondo, which stretches out through British Columbia’s wine region. There is more than 1,700 metres of climbing throughout the South Okanagan in this race. It offers the most spectacular scenery and the most challenges of any cycling event in the area. There are a lot of very fast, flat sections in this part of the race, offering gorgeous scenery. The Granfondo route will feature a timed KOM/QOM hill climb after 38km of riding.
The second race, called the Velocefondo, is 120 kilometres and covers much of the same route as the Grandfondo, there’s still a lot of difficult climbing at just over 1,000 metres. The around Skaha Lake and south back to the finish line. The 30km Cortofondo offers a shorter yet equally stunning ride, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed challenge.
For those who collect bikes, the classics category is back for pre-1996 bikes too.
The community support and incredible vibes is clearly demonstrated by the number of people working the event, most in volunteer roles, is truly epic. It’s 400-plus!
The whole community comes out, showing their love for cycling, the community and showcasing just how truly marvellous the region is. Even the day’s traffic control is epic, turning a system of roads and highways across the south Okanagan into a temporary bike course for a single day each summer. It’s a massive undertaking.
But the most epic of all may be the mega-sized Granfondo aid stations, staffed by small armies of local volunteers ready to feed and assist anyone who pulls in and stocked with a stunning array of thirst-quenching, energy-recapturing goodies.
Inspiring the next Generation of Cyclists
The Granfondo Weekend features the Kids’ Piccolofondo, Granfondo Women’s Night, Cycling Expo and much more.
Last year, the children’s Piccolofondo once again reached its 300-child cap rather quickly.
The kids’ edition of the event has preluded the Okanagan Granfondo for over a decade. As well, the event offers a great kids camp for children 4-years and older – drop the kids off at Fitkidz prior to the start, ride, and pick them up following your ride…and then celebrate your accomplishments as a family in the finish area.
Many of the registered participants for Sunday's main event were in attendance to support the kids on Saturday.
The Okanagan also features a fun team event in the Granfondo category. The rules are simple: the 5th rider across the finish line counts as the “team time”. So, the team that works together, wins together for bragging rights and terrific prizes.
All in all, the event is more than simply an epic ride through the heart of British Columbia’s wine country. It’s an entire weekend of cycling, family fun and Okanagan sunshine.
The community is so stoked to come out and support the riders, in very hot years, dozens of local’s sprayed riders with garden hoses to keep everyone cool!
The event is truly cherished by the local community and is a big day out for everyone.
It’s so welcoming and everybody loves coming to Penticton!
For those riders looking for a little something extra, they may want to consider the Classe Speciale category. This package includes registration in any of the four distance categories, as well as full VIP access and support.
After the ride, everyone will enjoy the family fun zone in Skaha Park with a beverage garden, BBQ and live music at the OG Expo!
Proceeds from the event raise money for desmoid tumour research through Desmoid Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Registration includes Swag, traffic managed course with 5 fully stocked aid stations, F2C nutrition, burger/beer at the finish, along with live entertainment and a beer garden. Kids event on Saturday along with kids zone.
Volunteer sign-up will be available in the spring of 2025.
It’s time to Ride Hard. Smile Often!
Next year’s event takes place on July 13th 2025, and registration is open.
For more information please visit: https://okanagangranfondo.com, or click the link below to register now.
