Durell and Li Take Victory at the SOLD-OUT 10th Anniversary Granfondo Badlands

In a thrilling display of endurance, Kathryn Durell and John Li emerged victorious at the sold-out 10th Anniversary Granfondo Badlands, held in the breathtaking Drumheller Valley, renowned as the dinosaur capital of the world. This year's event saw an unprecedented 1,600 riders, affirming its status as a premier cycling competition in the region

Cyclists from across the country gathered to tackle the stunning landscapes and challenging routes that the Badlands has to offer. Participants had the choice of four distances: 162 km, 100 km, 75 km, and 50 km, all winding through the iconic hoodoos and along the majestic Red Deer River. The 100 km route proved to be the most popular, attracting 800 riders, while the full 163 km Brontosaurus route drew 350 participants eager to test their limits.

In the fiercely contested 163 km race, John Li from Calgary clinched the title with an impressive finish time of 4:21:08, edging out Bryon Howard, also from Calgary, who completed the race in 4:24:07, securing second place. Dean Giesbrecht from Bragg Creek rounded out the podium in third with a time of 4:24:36.

On the women’s side, Kathryn Durell from Sherwood Park showcased her strength, crossing the finish line in 4:43:30. Jessica Warrack from Calgary followed closely, finishing second in 4:45:31, while Vivian Tong from Scarborough, Ontario, claimed third place with a time of 5:00:59.

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The 100 km route saw John Crisfield from Calgary take the top spot with a remarkable time of 2:57:42.0, while Amber Burgess from Jasper finished first among women in this category, clocking in at 2:59:49.1.

In the 75 km race, Ty Anderson from Calgary triumphed with a time of 2:17:50.7, and Kim McKechney from Saskatoon led the women’s category in 2:37:32.1.

Finally, in the 50 km distance, Margil Imamura from Calgary was the fastest, finishing in 1:55:37.6, while Amy Oygen from Edmonton took the women’s title in 2:11:47.

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“The energy and enthusiasm at this year’s Granfondo Badlands were palpable,” said TransRockies Event Director, Richelle Love, “We are thrilled to celebrate a decade of cycling in such a stunning location, and we are grateful to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible.”

The Granfondo Badlands not only showcases the beauty of Alberta’s landscapes but also fosters a sense of community among cyclists of all abilities. As riders crossed the finish line, the camaraderie and spirit of competition were evident, highlighting the event's significance in the cycling calendar.

As the sun set over the Badlands, participants reflected on their achievements and the unforgettable experience of racing through one of Canada’s most unique terrains. With the event now in the books, anticipation for next year’s Granfondo Badlands is already building.

@amandamhamilton