British Columbia’s Burnt Bridge Classic Gravel Fondo on Victoria Island was revived two years ago from an old 90s mountain bike course with steep climbs, twisty descents, gorgeous views and wet muddy conditions.

This year, due to coronavirus, the second edition of the race was run as an endurance individual time trial where a limited field of 100 riders rode the 76km route with 1150m climbing solo.

Rules did not allow drafting and everyone needed to be self sufficient by carrying anything they might need to make it to the finish line – extra tubes, tools, food and even bear spray repellant.

Caked in mud and smiling as he crossed the finish line, 27 year-old Canadian Nick Monette won the race in 2:38:14.  Alexander Amiri was next in 2:39:58 with Grant Gill 2:40:20.

Professional road cyclist Holly Henry was happy to be competing after a seven month pandemic pause and won the women’s race in 3:02:34, followed by Rachel McBride and Emily Johnston.

Worldwide Gran Fondo and Gravel Fondo Calendar