Organizers of the biggest cycling event to hit Squamish announced Thursday (Sept. 30) the second edition of the GrandFondo will increase by 2,500 participants.
"Given the outstanding success of the 2010 event which sold out in March - a full six months in advance of the event - organizers made the decision to expand the field to 6,500 riders in 2011," states an organization news release.
This year's event reserved one northbound lane for cyclists along the length of the Sea to Sky Highway, allowing them to ride unimpeded as traffic lights were interrupted and traffic control personnel hired to direct vehicles out of the way.
Questions regarding minimizing impact to the rest of the community in the wake of complaints from Squamish and Britannia Beach residents were not immediately returned.
Advance registration for next year's Sept. 10 event opened for riders and volunteers from the 2010 event on Sept. 13, and general registration opening to everyone else Sept. 20.
The event is poised for an early sell out only 10 days after general registration opened, according to the release.
"Registration has moved rapidly, with over 75 per cent of the spots for 2011 having been purchased by Sept. 30," states the release.
Deemed "North America's newest and grandest road cycling event," the 2010 RBC GranFondo Whistler saw 4,000 cyclists tackle the challenging route, including 2,400 metres of elevation while pedalling 120 kilometres from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway.
"While cycling on one of the world's most scenic roads, riders enjoyed a dedicated lane, well-stocked aid stations and spectacular coastal views," states the release.
With a mission of making the RBC GranFondo Whistler the first in a national series, GranFondo Canada advocates for cycling wherever it holds events.
Founded in 2007, GranFondo Canada is an event management group "committed to bringing world-class GranFondo experiences to Canada."
