Cycling enthusiasts took part in the grueling 160 km Axel Merckx Granfondo on Sunday.
Some 2,000 cyclists participated in the Okanagan’s first ever granfondo, which means “big race” in Italian.
Cycling legend and organizer Axel Merckx says the event went beyond expectation.
“I’m glad we pulled it off,” Merckx said. “I hope everyone who finished is happy.”
Participants had a choice of either riding a 92 km or a 160 km route that wound its way in and around the south Okanagan.
The event even drew some big names, like former Canucks forward Trevor Linden, who says cycling is now a huge part of his life.
Linden says the sport is a great way to see the world and admits he would rather spend four hours cycling than playing golf.
The former hockey star had nothing but praise for the race.
“The course was amazing,” Linden said. “Some of the most beautiful riding in the world. Great riding, great roads, great day.”
And it was an especially great day for Svein Tuft, the reigning national road race champion and former Olympian, who won Sunday’s race.
Tuft finished in just 3 hours and 57 minutes, almost 10 minutes ahead of the runner-up.
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