Inaugural TransRockies Gravel Royale Shines
The inaugural TransRockies Gravel Royale presented by Felt gravel stage race saw 200 athletes from eight countries and 22 states and provinces take part
Photo: Riders reach the finish line after 4 stages and 200 miles across Canadian Rocky Mountains.Credit: John Gibson
Held on August 22-25, the event kicked off at Panorama Mountain Resort visiting the most scenic and challenging gravel routes in British Columbia, Canada.
The full four-day version covered 400 km (200 miles) and around 7,500m (25,000 ft) of climbing. The routes were 84% gravel road, 10% pavement, 5% double track and 1% single track.
There was also a shorter 2-day version called the Ante Up, and finally, a 3-day E-bike poker ride across the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Due to safety reasons organizers had to make a very tough decision to postpone the inaugural 2021 event due to the introduction of temporary tighter health restrictions affecting the size of outdoor gatherings in the British Columbia interior, due to the risk of spreading the new variant of COVID in more remote areas.
Photo: The full four-day version covered 200 mile) and around 7,500m (25,000 ft) of climbing. Credit: John Gibson
“This was my first gravel stage race and the group from TransRockies did a heck of a job taking care of us,” said men’s winner, Rob Britton. “Done and dusted and happy to get a win at this race and my first win as a gravel pro.”
Unlike the majority of popular gravel events in America that consist of hard, one-day efforts, the TransRockies Gravel Royale race in Canada was a four day affair that included tent camping for all the competitors. Organizers set up the tents, cooked the meals and provided a place to shower for both riders and their bike. There was even massage and athletic therapy available. All riders had do was cross the finish line, and concentrate on the race ahead.
Photo: TransRockies Gravel Royale race in Canada was a four day affair that included tent camping for all the competitors. Credit: John Gibson
Overall Women’s winner, Rach McBride, was also impressed by the event, during and after the race.
“This race is definitely unlike anything else I have experienced in gravel racing so far” McBride shared. “The courses, the multi-day aspect and the tent camping, it really all has been a fantastic experience and so fun to be surrounded by the gravel community all week.”
Photo: Rachel McBride celebrates 1st place with her Transrockies Gravel Royale finisher’s medal. Credit: John Gibson
After kicking off at Panorama Mountain Resort the course took athletes on remote logging roads, over steep mountain passes, by clear blue rivers and fun fast gravel. The other host communities Nipika Mountain Resort, Village of Canal Flats and the Town of Fernie were very inviting and a great backdrop for this one-of-a-kind gravel event.
Aaron McConnell, President of TransRockies Race Series states “While the TransRockies Gravel Royale was born from our history of mountain bike stage races, the gravel version has been a dream for many years and a full two years of focussed work in development. “
“From the beginning we believed that we could bring something special to gravel cycling - with a focus on adventure, community and a spectacular route.”
A big thank-you to all the partners, crew and riders who helped us make it a reality!”
The TransRockies crew is staying busy. They have just one week before returning to Fernie for the start of 2022 SingleTrack 6. The cross country mountain bike stage race runs from from Sept. 6 – 11 this year, starting right where the Gravel Royale left off.
2022 Gravel Royale Results
Women’s Elite/Pro
1st: Rach McBride, of Vancouver, British Columbia, with a time of 14:20:47
2nd: Lauren Cantwell, of Reno, Nevada, with a time of 15:13:11
3rd: Lindsay Glassford, of Panorama, British Columbia, with a time of 15:37:41
Men’s Elite/Pro
1st: Rob Britton, of Victoria, British Columbia, with a time of 12:05:38
2nd: Caleb Swartz, of Missoula, Montana, with a time of 12:14:45
3rd: Josiah Middaugh, of Vail, Colorado, with a time of 12:17:53
Open Masters Mixed
1st: Zoe Roy & Barry Wicks, with a time of 17:17:58
2nd: Virginia Sellers & Andrew Sellers, with a time of 17:23:12
3rd: Angie Macdougall & Warren Macdougall, with a time of 19:52:11
Super Masters 100+
1st: Michael Law & John Ramsden, with a time of 19:25:11
2nd: Daryl Chase & Brent Clark, with a time of 21:19:26
3rd: Mark Reid & Craig Truter, with a time of 22:16:53
Open Masters Men
1st: Benjamin Schreiber & Todd Tanner, with a time of 15:47:34
2nd: Christian Gauvin & Travis Hauck, with a time of 16:50:53
Link to full 2022 Gravel Royale Results: https://zone4.ca/event/2022/EF3DC988
Link to 2022 Gravel Royale Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/transrockiesraceseries
2023 Registration Opens September 28th!
Go all in on adventure in next August 28-31, 2023
Registration Opens September 28th!
For more information, please visit: https://www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/registration
Photo: Go all in on adventure in next August 28-31, 2023. Registration Opens September 28th!
Stage 3 to Oron ITT
