Cyclists from Jasper proved their athletic prowess over the weekend winning three out of four races during the second annual Gran Fondo, June 11.
Warren Van Asten was the first rider to cross the finish line with a blistering time of 3:13:33 in the 100 km Medio Fondo, nearly 10 minutes ahead of the next competitor.
DJ Bowen also had a stellar race, finishing first in the 65 km Piccolo race with a time of 2:16:48, about nine minutes ahead of Greg Van Tighem and Jan Palsen, who finished second and third respectively.
Matt Staneland, chair of the Jasper Cycling Association, finished first in the 165 km Gran Fondo with a time of 5:29:17, seconds ahead of James Peck and Declan Unsworth.
“It got pretty windy out by Sunwapta and then we had a nice tail wind all the way back, but with three people rotating through it was just so much easier then being stuck out there slogging on your own,” said Staneland.
“It was a hard day to dress for because it was freezing in the morning and rainy and hot in the afternoon.”
Philippe Nadon, of Edmonton, won the 190 km Forte Fondo with a time of 6:34:35. It was the first time the 190 km route was introduced, which included two hill climbs up Marmot Road and Edith Cavell Road.
“It was a great ride,” said Nadon, adding he will be back next year to defend his title.
He said the hardest part of the course was the last 400 metres up Marmot Road.
“It’s the steepest part, that’s where you either go hard or go home.”
Not only did Nadon win the Forte Fondo he also had the fastest climb up Marmot Road with a time of 41 minutes flat.
According to Trevor Soll, the race organizer, 176 people crossed the finish line, about 20 per cent more than last year.
“We had a great day,” said Soll. “I have to talk to Parks to get some feedback about how the event went, but from speaking with the wildlife guys they didn’t have any issues and from what I know the traffic impact was pretty minimal.”
He said he’d like to add a beer garden at the finish line next year to make it more of a festival atmosphere. Part of the proceeds of the race will be donated to the Community Outreach Team.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
