The TransRockies Gravel Royale organizers said they couldn’t have been dealt a better hand this week! The event squeaked through wildfire closures and enjoyed cooperative weather as they made their way from Panorama to Fernie.
The event brought 200 athletes from eight countries and 22 states/provinces with all different riding experience and abilities to enjoy the Kootenay Mountains on two-wheels.
After kicking off at Panorama Mountain Resort the course took athletes on remote logging roads, over steep mountain passes, by clear blue rivers and fun fast gravel. The other host communities Nipika Mountain Resort, Village of Canal Flats and the Town of Fernie were very inviting and a great backdrop for this one-of-a-kind gravel event.
The final day of the Gravel Royale started out in Canal Flats and trickled into Fernie’s Station Square throughout the afternoon. The final stage was stage 107+ km and the riders came through the Bull River and over Hartley Lake pass.
“This was my first gravel stage race and the group from TransRockies did a heck of a job taking care of us. Done and dusted and happy to get a win at this race and my first win as a gravel pro.” Rob Britton, overall winner for the men’s division. (above)
“This race is definitely unlike anything else I have experienced in gravel racing so far. The courses, the multi day aspect and the tent camping, it really all has been a fantastic experience and so fun to be surrounded by the gravel community all week.” Rach McBride, overall winner for the women’s division.
Local Fernie riders Dylan Bailey (above), Alan Gregson, Mark Elson, and Colleen Mooney rolled into town. See the results here.
We are incredibly proud of each of these athletes taking on this tough course and enjoyed celebrating the finish in Fernie!
The week was full of highs and lows for all the athletes, staff and volunteers, and these finish lines are the reason we do it.
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TransRockies appreciates and gives thanks for the ongoing support from Gearhub Sports, the City of Fernie, Park Place Lodge, Raging Elk Adventure Lodge, Red Tree Lodge, Fernie Lodging Company, Fernie Central Reservations, Red Tree Lodge, Fernie RV Resort, Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club, volunteers and organizers.
The course contained a large variety of terrain from pavement to technical singletrack. In total, the full four-day course covered 400 km (200 miles) and around 7,500 m (25,000 ft) of climbing. The routes were 84% gravel road, 10% pavement, 5% doubletrack and 1% singletrack.
