Must Do Event: GranFondo Axel Merckx Okanagan
The retired professional cyclist and son of the legendary Eddy Merckx is now hosting a granfondo event.
Olympic medalist Axel Merckx may have been born in Belgium, but he’s something of an adopted Canadian. The retired professional cyclist and son of the legendary Eddy Merckx lives in Kelowna, B.C., and now he’s hosting a granfondo event in the area. The inaugural Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan will be held in Penticton July 10 with an estimated 2,500 riders choosing between a 100 or 150 km route through the scenic Okanagan region.
Merckx, a 10-time Tour de France rider who married Canadian professional triathlete Jodi Cross, said he wanted to show off his new surroundings.
“Since coming to Canada, I’ve been searching for an opportunity to share my passion for cycling with this region and to share the beauty and hospitality of this region with the wider cycling community. Thanks to a great partnership with the city of Penticton and the support of my friends, this event will turn opportunity into reality,” Merckx said.
Popular throughout Europe, granfondos (Italian for big rides) are becoming the next big thing for cycling in North America. The events are sprouting up all over the U.S. and Canada and are drawing large fields of riders. Though some granfondos have a competitive aspect to them, they attract a wide range of riders – from beginners to professionals. Entry fees are typically higher than average race and some charity rides, but participants are treated to well-supported events with good food, prizes and often elaborate routes with closed or partially-closed roads. The west coast will have more granfondos than anywhere else in Canada with Merckx’s ride joining at least three other similar mass-participation events in 2011.
Merckx is being joined by his father Eddy on the ride, as well as former NHL hockey player Trevor Linden. Part of the proceeds will be donated back to the Canadian Cycling Association for the development of young riders.
Other granfondo-type rides planned for B.C. this year include one in Victoria June 15, Kelowna July 16 and from Vancouver to Whistler Sept. 10. There’s also the Ryder Hesjedal Tour de Victoria May 28, which isn’t being billed as a granfondo, but has a similar format.
More information on B.C. granfondo events:
