A rider competing in Colorado’s Triple Bypass Gran Fondo was airlifted to hospital on Saturday morning 11 July after suffering a medical emergency on the course, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.
The 38th edition of the annual amateur cycling event drew more than 4,000 riders to the 121-mile alpine route between Evergreen and Avon, climbing more than 10,450 feet over three iconic mountain passes: Juniper, Loveland and Vail, each rising above 11,000 feet in elevation.
According to a Facebook update from the Sheriff’s Office, Highway 103 was closed in both directions near the Little Bear Creek Road intersection from around 09:00 while a helicopter landed to respond to the emergency. Flight for Life Colorado transported the patient to a local hospital, with a final update confirming the aircraft departed at 09:20. The highway reopened to cyclists shortly afterwards. No details about the rider’s identity or condition have been released.
Saturday’s incident revives memories of a far more tragic outcome at the same event five years ago. In 2021, an amateur cyclist collapsed while climbing Loveland Pass and could not be revived despite CPR from emergency responders. Organizers later confirmed the rider died of natural causes.
Event organiser Shift Events has not publicly commented on the situation. They do maintains aid stations and SAG support along the full route, and Saturday’s rapid highway closure and helicopter response reflected the event’s established emergency protocols. Gran Fondo Daily News will update this story as further information becomes available.
Photo Credit: Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office
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