One 25-year-old is breaking records.
Cyclist Jordan Cheyne won the third annual L’Alpe de Grand Blanc, breaking the existing race record with his time of one hour, 48 minutes and 10 seconds – 12 minutes faster than last year’s winner.
A total of 205 riders took part in today’s ride, including 82-year-old co-founder of Big White Ski Resort, Cliff Serwa. Serwa rode alongside his granddaughter Kelsey Serwa, Olympic silver medalist and X-Games champion.
The 60-kilometre ride kicked off at 9 a.m. from the East Kelowna Community Hall and finished at the Big White Ski Resort Village, with 1,800 metres of elevation gain in between.
“This was my first time competing in the L’Alpe de Grand Blanc, but I’ve probably ridden this road about 50 times for training,” said Cheyne. “I know every inch – but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Marg Fedyna, 52, was the first female to cross the finish line, clocking in at two hours, 12 minutes and 22 seconds. She was also the first female finisher in last year’s L’Alpe de Grand Blanc road ride.
“Winds were favourable this year and it was a beautiful day – the temperature was perfect,”she said. “Climbing is my speciality and it feels great to win for the second year in a row.”
The L’Alpe de Grand Blanc post-ride BBQ, catered by The Woods in the Village, included free massages, live entertainment, a kids carnival and some much-needed cold refreshments.