A sold-out Badlands Gran Fondo rolled through Alberta’s stunning hoodoo country on Saturday, drawing 2,000 riders from across Canada for the event’s 12th edition beneath the shadow of Drumheller’s giant fibreglass T-Rex.
Riders chose from four distances, with the signature and always controversial Bleriot Ferry crossing over the Red Deer River eliminated due to a recent landslide.
In the 100km T-Rex Medio Fondo, Calgary’s Duncan Adams, 37, and Jack Whelan, 34, finished together in 02:41:08, sharing the overall victory in a dead heat that was certainly worthy of a post-ride debate. Each also claimed victory in his respective age group. Derek Deemter, also of Calgary, finished just 4 seconds behind to complete the podium.
Over the full 163km Brontosaurus Gran Fondo route, Joel Souchotte of Calgary claimed the day’s honours in 04:13:54, holding off fellow Calgarian Tim Ritsema by a mere 2 seconds. Cochrane’s David Marshall completed the podium, 11 seconds behind.
The shorter distances had their own stories. Tony Nguyen of Calgary won the 50km Velociraptor in 01:41:38, while Blackfalds’ Chad Moberg rode solo to victory in the 75km Triceratops in 02:17:45.
Organisers and local businesses were thrilled the event reached its 2,000-rider capacity, representing growth of almost 50% over last year’s edition.
Badlands Gran Fondo results HERE
Photo Credit: Gran Fondo Badlands
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