A legion of cyclists made the wheely long journey from Kelowna to Big White on Sunday for the fourth annual L’Alpe de Grand Blanc.
Photo Credits: Big White
The 60-kilometre bike ride departed from East Kelowna Community Hall at 9 a.m. and finished behind the Village Centre Mall.
The trail elevated 1,800-metres between the two destinations and produced a formidable ride for the strong-legged riders and their steel steers.
28-year-old Tim Savre was the first to set his tire marks over the finish line this year, completing the ride in one hour, 59 minutes and 15 seconds – missing the record set by Jordan Cheyne last year by 11 minutes.
Photo Credit: Big WhiteTim Savre crossing the finish line
Emma Lujan was the first female to make it to Big White, concluding the trip in two hours, four minutes and 25 seconds.
The 82-year-old co-founder of the Big White Ski Resort was also seen at the finish line, not as a spectator of course.
Cliff Serwa and Kelsey Serwa, his Olympic gold and silver-medal winning granddaughter, finished the ride in three hours, 20 minutes and 52 seconds.
Photo Credit: Big WhiteCliff and Kelsey Serwa
“The day could not have gone any better. With concerns of air quality early in the week, the weather really cooperated today,” says Trevor Hanna, Vice-President of Hospitality at Big White Ski Resort and former race participant.
“We had excellent support from the local cycling community, our sponsors and Big White locals that all coordinated to make a great event.”
In the under 18 category, 15-year-old Joel Worman led the boys division with a time of two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds, Carolyn Shaw (15) was the only rider in the girls division finishing in three hours, three minutes and 53 seconds.
Photo Credit: Big White
Richard Loney and Emma Lujan earned the King and Queen of the Mountain competition after completing the Black Mountain section of the course the quickest and each collecting a Swagman bike rack.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony in the Village Centre and was followed by a rewarding barbeque and live music from local band, Linus.
For a full list of race results, click here.
