June 02, 2017 (Mont-Tremblant, QC) – With close to 1,750 riders at the starting line this past Saturday – bringing the total to over 7,000 participants since its inception in 2013 – the 2017 edition of the Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant was a huge success in all respects. The annual rendezvous for riders, which marks the start of the cycling season, attracts thousands of enthusiasts each year to the magnificent Mont-Tremblant region, now firmly established as a must-do destination for cyclists.

Directed by a seasoned organizing committee, the fifth edition of the event was flawless, both on the roads and behind the scenes. The mood was upbeat and everyone was all smiles, from the volunteers to the road marshals, all of whom are keen on cycling and spared no effort in making this a century ride that ranks with the best. At the finish line, the verdict was unanimous. Here’s what some of the participants had to say:

Exemplifies The Spirit of a Real Century Ride

Laurent Martel, La Flamme Rouge
2^nd year participating (2013 and 2017)

“Of all the cycling events I’ve done over 25 years, the Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant perhaps best exemplifies the spirit of the century ride: a variety of pelotons, all supervised; impeccable safety; a fun and friendly atmosphere; and a magnificent setting in the Tremblant Resort pedestrian village. In a nutshell, a celebration of cycling for what it’s meant to be – the joy of pedalling! There’s no mistaking the difference between the Gran Fondo and a cycling race, and all the better for that!”

It’s Not a Race – It’s a Great Personal Challange

Marc-André Daigle, Louis Garneau representative and GFMT marshal
4^th year participating

“For the past four years, people have recognized that a Gran Fondo is not a race, but rather a personal challenge; this really changes the atmosphere, which is now very much geared to pleasure. But for riders like me, the Montées challenges in the 80 km, 125 km and 160 km routes give me the test I want; we thrive on those.”

Kicking Off the Riding Season

Sébastien Delorme, actor and cycling coach, GFMT ambassador
4^th year participating

“After a long winter at the gym and on the stationary bikes, we’re always raring to go when the Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant arrives. Early in the season, a cyclist needs to develop a foundation, and the body must quickly build up the endurance to go long distances and manage its energy. The GFMT is always on my calendar; I know that I need to be ready for the season’s first century ride.”

Safety First, and Capable Marshals

Francois Parisien, former pro cyclist
2^nd year participating

“This event is really well structured, supervised, and safe. Regardless of how many kilometres we cover every year, it’s always fantastic to have the road to ourselves and not have to worry about cars. The marshals are extremely competent. That makes a big difference in the fluidity of pelotons.”

Panoramic Routes – My Best Gran Fondo Ever

Charly Vives, former pro cyclist
2^nd year participating

“I often compare events with Gran Fondos in Europe. The Mont-Tremblant ride is in a class of its own. The landscapes are majestic, the routes magnificent, and the atmosphere in the village – with that mountain – quite extraordinary. Last year, I said it was my best Gran Fondo ever, and I say the same again this year.”

Routes for All Calibres and the Pleasure of Riding

Lydiane St-Onge, blogger, Lydiane autour du monde
First year participating

“I bought my road bike last year. Someone convinced me to do the 45 km scenic ride and I loved it. The group spirit, community ambience, the structure, a moderate physical challenge… It was the perfect initiation. Next year I plan to do the 80 km Medio Fondo.”

The Montées Challenge Results

Under the direction of our partner, MS1 Timing, all individual results and rankings for the timed sections of the routes were announced live during the events with seamless accuracy.

The primary objective of the Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant is to give cyclists an opportunity to push themselves and tackle a personal challenge. However, the event also features a friendly competitive component that rewards the riders of elite pelotons for outstanding performances on the more difficult sections of the routes. Those individuals earn the GFMT polka-dot jersey. Congratulations to the winners:

• 160 km Super Fondo: Jessica Belisle and Pierre- André Boulay
• 125 km Gran Fondo: Marise Fortier and Maxime Daigle
• 80 km Medio Fondo: Marie-Pier Lavallée and Jean-Sébastien Giard

All individual results are posted on the website here.

Mont-Tremblant: A Region Recognized as a Cycling Destination

The superb infrastructures of Mont-Tremblant make it a prime destination for all forms of cycling. Road bikes are welcome on 21 routes for all calibres of riders, ranging from 20 to 125 kilometres. Athletes in training or cyclists looking for a challenge are well-served on the first official, marked IRONMAN course. Families who enjoy riding together will find in Mont-Tremblant a network of 27 kilometres of paved bike paths. Lastly, mountain bikers will get their fill on a network of nearly 65 kilometres of quality trails developed by Vélo Mont-Tremblant.

Relive the Highlights of the Gran-Fondo Mont-Tremblant

Video/Photo link here.
Facebook link here.