June 10, 2011 – We’re only a month away from the inaugural Gran Fondo Highwood Pass to be held this July 9th. Covering 155 km from Longview to Stoney Nakoda, the Gran Fondo Highwood Pass will be a unique opportunity to ride over Canada’s highest paved road and through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Registration is open and spots still remain. Each entry not only includes aid stations and mechanical support along the route, but also a free cycling jersey and celebratory banquet. Sign up here to be part of this great ride.

Gran Fondo names Canadian Alpine Ski Team designated charity for 2011
The Gran Fondo Highwood Pass is proud to name the Canadian Alpine Ski Team as its designated charity. Along with a $10 donation from every Gran Fondo entry, the event will serve as a great reminder of the intense off season training which is put in by all the members of CAST as they prepare for their racing.

CAST is part of Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), the governing body for alpine ski racing in Canada with more than 50,000 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteer members and over 200,000 supporting members. ACA manages the high performance programs for the athletes of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team and Ski Cross Team who represent Canada throughout the world.

ACA LogoCycling is a key element in most skiers’ off-season programs and several members of the team, led by national champion Michele-Marie Gagnon, are expected to ride the Gran Fondo as ambassadors to the event. The Gran Fondo will be also be a trip home for team members as the route passes Nakiska, the official training site of Alpine Canada, on its homebound leg.

The Gran Fondo format will allow riders of all levels and abilities to take on the same challenge as these World-class athletes through some of the best scenery in Canada before celebrating the accomplishment together at he closing banquet. It will also be a rare opportunity for elite athletes in the two sports of cycling and alpine skiing to share a challenge in the same sport.

“We’re proud to partner up with the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and Alpine Canada”, said Aaron McConnell, President of TransRockies. “There’s a strong connection between the heritage of our sports and as an Alberta-based organization, they’re important to the sport culture of our area. We’re looking forward to welcoming their athletes and representatives to our inaugural event in July.”

Fore more information on Alpine Canada, visit www.canski.org.

Nativo Concept to be jersey sponsor of the Gran Fondo Highwood Pass
Each Rider to receive keepsake jersey

Nativo Concept is a Montreal -based custom clothing brand that was founded in 2007 and based on the idea of superior service and quality.

The Gran Fondo Highwood Pass is proud to welcome them as our 2011 jersey sponsor and we’re excited to preview the artwork for the jerseys that each and every Gran Fondo rider will be receiving.

The jerseys are made from highly technical fabrics and the fit is precisely tested and developed to ultimate performane and comfort. It’s just one more great reason to be part of the inaugural Gran Fondo Highwood Pass.

Thanks again to Nativo Concept for their support. To learn more about this proudly Canadian company, click here.

Important Participant Information
Hotel deals, package pickup & bus tranfers

PACKAGE PICKUP: we’ve got full details on picking up your participant package before the event here.

BUS TRANSFERS: We’ve just added bus transfer details to our website here. The transfers can be added to online registration for new and existing registrations – space is limited!

HOTEL ROOMS: Our Official Host Hotel, Stoney Nakoda Resort is offering $99 rooms the nights before and after the GFHP. Staying at the finish line hotel is the most enjoyable way to experience GFHP! Hotel details are here.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED: If you aren’t going to ride but still want to be part of this great event, we’re looking for more volunteers to join our team. For full details on joining us click here.