Press Release
(For immediate release)
(CLARE, NS - CANADA): After a three-year hiatus, the sixth edition of Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is ready to roll on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
The Gran Fondo has quickly grown to become a bucket-list “must-do” cycling and cultural experience. As the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, the unrivaled community spirit, breath-taking ocean views and celebratory lobster dinner have won the hearts of cyclists worldwide. The event hosted 992 cyclists in 2019, welcoming cyclists from as far away as Alaska and Australia. To date, over 750 people have registered for the 2023 edition, a third of them from outside the province.
The Gran Fondo appeals to recreational riders of all skill levels, as well as to the avid racer, offering three exhilarating rides on low-traffic roads. Experienced riders will be challenged by our slightly modified 128 km Gran route, adding the scenic Bas-de-la-Rivière coastal loop, while intermediate and novice cyclists may prefer the shorter 67 km Medio or 35 km Piccolo rides. Riders will navigate rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, passing by towering churches along the panoramic coastal route that hugs beautiful Baie Sainte-Marie. E-bikes are also permitted to ride in the 67 km and 35 km rides.
The community spirit is off the charts: hundreds of residents roll out the welcome mat and enthusiastically cheer cyclists on from the roadside, waving Acadian flags and banging pots and pans. Around 150 local volunteers will be recruited to ensure the smooth logistics of the event.
Due to renovation work at the Clare Veterans Centre, the 2023 event will be held at Université Sainte-Anne (1695 Highway 1, Church Point). Lunch is included and is a choice of a vegetarian option, BBQ pork or the perennial favourite, fresh lobster in the shell. On Saturday, riders are invited to a social event for a taste of Acadian culture.
There is still time for cyclists to register online, or they can stop by the Rendez-vous de la Baie on Saturday, September 9, and on the morning of the event on Sunday, September 10. Registration is $129 and includes a post-ride meal, swag bag, chip timing, rest stops and animation along the route. Participants who had registered by July 16 will receive a nautical themed sixth anniversary event jersey.
“We can’t wait to see everyone again, as well as many new faces, as approximately 50% will be participating for the first time. Strong registration numbers show there is a lot of pent-up demand.” stated Larry Peach, Marketing Coordinator for Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie.
For more information and to register online, visit www.granfondobaiesaintemarie.ca
Watch our 2023 YouTube promo video
Media contacts:
Larry Peach
Tourism Manager
Municipality of Clare
902-769-8555, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pam Doucet
Director of Community Development
Municipality of Clare
902-769-8149, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 9, 2023
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Check in and registration in theatre at the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Center (23, Lighthouse Road, Université Sainte-Anne, Church Point).
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Social with finger foods, refreshments, and entertainment at the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Center. Live music under the tent: 12 to 2 p.m.
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Art Market in the tent – meet vendors selling unique art and local products.
12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - Presentations in the Art Gallery. The world by bike: For 4 years, the author Jonathan B. Roy covered 40,000 km in 40 countries. English viewing at 12p.m., French viewing at 2 p.m. Duration: 45-60 minutes.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
6:30 a.m. - Parking lot opens at Université Sainte-Anne, 1695 Highway 1, Church Point.
7:00 a.m. - Check in and registration opens at Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Center. Registration closes at 8:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - Cyclists start in the parking lot at Centre de l'entrepreneuriat Louis E. Deveau, 1649 Highway 1, Church Point. Located onsite a short walk from the parking lots.
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 at Visitor Center and in the lobster tent.
3:00 p.m. - Route support ends.