Thousands of cyclists taking part in Whistler’s GranFondo bike ride

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Expect it to be a slow go up to Sea-to-Sky country today. The Whistler GranFondo takes over much of the highway for the afternoon.

Over 4,000 cyclists are signed up this year, a 12 per cent increase from last ride.

Organizer Neil McKinnon says they’ve worked hard with the Ministry of Transportation to limit the slowdowns for drivers.

He says it all comes down to a timing matrix they’ve set up along the 99. “We have a rolling closure, meaning that as the riders start to pass their destination at Upper Levels Highway than obviously the road will open up behind [them] so it’s not like the whole lane is closed for the entire day.

McKinnon understands that drivers may be frustrated by the slowdowns. “There is a lane all the way from start to finish but obviously with the volume of riders on the road [drivers should be aware] that course is close to them. Obviously they should plan accordingly and give themselves a little more time.”

The race is the largest GranFondo in North America – with thousands also expected to line the route. Everything should be wrapped up in Whistler by late afternoon.

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