Squamish has earned the title of GranFondo training capital of North America.
The event, which saw 7,000 cyclists zip through Squamish en route from Vancouver to Whistler last September, is now the largest long-distance bike race on this continent, co-founder Kevin Thomson told Squamish council's Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 14). Race representatives attended the meeting to unveil a Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance study, which examined the economic benefits generated by the GranFondo.
Last year, the 122-kilometre race pedalled $8.2 million into B.C.'s economy, with $650,000 of that landing in Squamish. Media from across the nation reported on the event, with The Sports Network televising the race more than once, Thomson said. Between 400 to 600 cyclists practiced in and around Squamish before the big day, spending an average of approximately $28 in town.
"You are the outdoor recreational capital of Canada. Now you just earned a new name and we want to help spread the word of that, with your support," Thomson said, referring to training opportunities in the district.
Days before last year's race, Thomson admitted he was nervous. The race route cuts Squamish in half, limiting east-west highway crossings the morning of the event. This spun up opposition from some residents, local businesses and the organizers of the Brackendale Fall Fair, which was held the same day.
"We were enthused by the outpour in Squamish," Thomson said, of the spectators who got into the spirit at the Garibaldi Mall.
Coun. Doug Race acknowledged he was one member of the previous council who was concerned about the impacts the race could impose on the community. There is inconvenience associated with the event, but Race said he thinks it's manageable.
"I am wholeheartedly in support of it," he said.
This year, race organizers hope to work with district officials to enhance the rider and spectator experience. District officials plan to coordinate with community partners and provide Squamish information packages to race participants, said Dan McRae, the district's economic sustainability coordinator.
GranFondo organizers and the district also aim to promote the Medio, a 60-kilometre race option that starts at Garibaldi Mall. Last year, approximately 150 racers, most of whom spent the night in town, began pedalling in Squamish, Thomson noted.
Race costs break even with 7,000 riders, Thomson said. He wouldn't publically announce the number of riders the GranFondo aims to attract this year, but noted the figure is positive. When surveyed, 93 per cent of last year's participants said they plan to return and would recommend the race to friends, Thomson added.
"We believe that we have reached the status of a world-class event and we are still young. We are going to still be making mistakes and we still want to improve," he said.
