Press Release
(For immediate release)
CLARE, NS, CANADA – September 11, 2025: After taking a pause in 2024 to welcome the Congrès mondial acadien, the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is back and gearing up for its seventh edition.
On Sunday, September 14, cyclists from across Canada and abroad will ride through Clare for Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling event — a celebration of sport, scenery, and Acadian hospitality.
Since its debut, the Gran Fondo has earned a reputation as a bucket-list cycling and cultural experience. Cyclists are treated to sweeping ocean views, enthusiastic roadside cheer squads, and a well-earned post-ride lobster dinner. The 2023 edition drew 681 participants, including international riders from Austria and Australia. Already, more than 650 cyclists have registered for 2025, with one-third hailing from outside Nova Scotia.
This year’s routes offer something for everyone:
- Gran 128 km – slightly modified to include the scenic Bas-de-la-Rivière coastal loop.
- Medio 67 km – ideal for intermediate cyclists.
- Piccolo 35 km – designed for recreational riders and those who may just be getting into cycling.
The experience goes far beyond the ride itself. Hundreds of locals line the course waving Acadian flags and cheering on participants, while roughly 150 volunteers work behind the scenes to make the weekend a success.
For a second time, the event hub shifts to Université Sainte-Anne (1695 Highway 1, Church Point) due to renovations at the Clare Veterans Centre. The new space will be ready for next year, and we look forward to welcoming cyclists there in 2026. Riders can choose from a lobster, BBQ pork, or vegetarian chilli, and on Saturday they’ll be welcomed with live music, an art market, and a special presentation on the dramatic landscapes of Southern Utah.
Cyclists can still register online, or in person at the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre on Saturday, September 13, and the morning of the event. Registration is $149 plus processing fees/taxes and includes chip timing, a swag bag, rest stops with on-route animation, and a celebratory post-ride meal. Participants who signed up before July 20 will also receive a striking jersey inspired by Baie Sainte-Marie’s iconic sunsets.
“We can’t wait to see all the new and familiar faces again for another unforgettable cycling experience.” stated Pam Doucet, Chairperson, Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie.
For full details and to register, visit www.granfondobaiesaintemarie.ca/en.
Watch our 2025 YouTube promo video.
Media Contacts:
Larry Peach
Marketing Coordinator, GFBSM
Tourism Manager, Municipality of Clare
902-769-8555
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Pam Doucet
Chair, GFBSM
Director of Community Development, Municipality of Clare
902-769-8149
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Event Schedule:
All the following events are located on the Université Sainte-Anne campus, at the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Information Centre (23 Lighthouse Road, Church Point, NS, B0W 1M0).
Download the event schedule here.
Saturday, September 13, 2025:
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Check in and registration in the theatre at the Rendez-vous de la Baie. |
| 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Social event with finger foods, refreshments, and entertainment at the Rendez-vous de la Baie. Live music under the tent from 12:00-2:00 p.m. |
| 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Art Market in the tent – meet vendors crafting and selling unique art and local products. |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Presentations in the Art Gallery. Southern Utah: A Journey Through Canyons and Deserts English viewing. Duration: 45-60 minutes. |
| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Presentations in the Art Gallery. Southern Utah: A Journey Through Canyons and Deserts French viewing. Duration: 45-60 minutes. |
Sunday, September 14, 2025:
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| 6:30 a.m. | Parking lot opens on the Université Sainte-Anne campus (1695 Highway 1, Church Point). |
| 7:00 a.m. | Check in and registration opens at Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre. Registration closes at 8:30 a.m. |
| 8:00 a.m. | Cyclists to gather in the parking lot in front of the Louis E. Deveau building (located onsite). |
| 8:15 a.m. | Pre-ride briefing. |
| 8:30 a.m. | 128 km Gran Fondo ride starts. 2 waves: advanced/intermediate, followed by intermediate/beginner. |
| 8:45 a.m. | 67 km Medio Fondo ride starts. 2 waves: advanced/intermediate, followed by intermediate/beginner. |
| 9:00 a.m. | 35 km Piccolo Fondo ride starts. 2 waves: advanced/intermediate, followed by intermediate/beginner. |
| 10:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Finish line photos for all participants. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Post-ride meal with live music in the tent. |
| 3:00 p.m. | Route support ends. |
