Sunny Blue Skies for 1,000 Lucky Cyclists at 2025 Bluewater International Gran Fondo

Just over 1,000 cyclists rolled through Lambton County in beautiful weather last Sunday for the ninth annual big ride, which raises funds for palliative care.

The Granfondo which started in 2016, has routes ranging from 30 km to 150 km for all abilities. It missed one year during the pandemic but has been held annually, otherwise.

The 9^th edition started early last Sunday morning in Mike Weir Park and racers returned at various times to a meal and live music. The race included timed sections, but not start and finishing times found in traditional racing formats. That allows cyclists to take their time between timed sections, stop at fuel stations along the route and enjoy the ride.

In the 150km Bluewater ride, Chris Caruana was fastest over the 4 timed sections in 39:20.5, ahead of Simao Santa Barbara (39:21.2) in second and Scott Elliott (40:01.8) in third place. In the women's category, Debbie Levasseur was fastest in 42:19.0, ahead of Erika Hendrick in second (42:20.5) and Marie Esper (42:52.2) in third place.

In the 100km Lambton ride, Curtis Manzys was fastest over the three timed sections in 28:36.4 ahead of Kelly Johnson (28:40.6) in second and Peter Cobb (28:43.3) in third place. In the women’s category, Laura Drope was fastest in 28:51.4 ahead of Maria Teresa Gonzalez Coubert (30:29.7) in second place and Kate Schieman (31:55.5) in third place.

In the 50km Sarnia ride, Jerry Mangiarelli was fastest over the one timed section in 12:39.0, ahead of Kent Gore (12:39.0) in second place and Simone Palombi (12:44.8) in third place. In the women’s category, Natalie McCormick was fastest (13:07.3) ahead of Heather Baxter (13:08.4) in second place and Angie Smith (13:15.3) in third place).

@madeofmaure said afterwards “Another weekend of cycling fun at the Bluewater International GranFondo. I competed in the 50km & Dan the 100km.

The event also continued to host the First Responder Championships on the 100 km course.

Shawn Gillespie was fastest over the three timed sections in 29:02.5 ahead of Todd Forrest (30:29.9) in second place and Jon Grimwood (30:59.5) in third place. In the women's category, Dani Girard was fastest in 32:55.5, ahead of Carley Warner (34:51.5) in second and Jennifer Randel (38:37.1) in third place.

The Shelly Rastin Band performed live for participants after they finished in Mike Weir Park.

The Shelly Rastin Band performed live for participants after they finished in Mike Weir Park.

The event has now raised over $500,000 for palliative care in the community.

Ken McAlpine co-founder of the ride commented "Another successful 9th Annual Bluewater International Granfondo in the books! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this year, participants, sponsors, volunteers, and all the incredible people behind the scenes! We’re buzzing with excitement and can’t wait to share tons of amazing photos over the next few days, these moments are too good not to share"

Dan Tice, who is on the committee that runs the event, said this year’s version went really well, “These guys are pros,” he said of his fellow organizers. “It helps the overall event for everybody because you know even when you show up everything’s in front of your face, the food’s great.”

@madeofmaure said afterwards “Another weekend of cycling fun at the Bluewater International GranFondo. I competed in the 50km & Dan the 100km. I set so many new PR’s on the route and came in 9th for my age category! A huge thank you to all the staff & volunteers for @bigranfondo who put on another successful event! You guys rock! Can’t wait for next year!“

Link to 2025 Bluewater International Gran Fondo Results: https://www.timingshack.ca/20250803-bigf

Link to 2025 Bluewater International Gran Fondo Photos by @kerrysklipsphotography

The event has now raised over $500,000 for palliative care in the community.