The crash that killed a Vancouver woman and left two other cyclists seriously injured at this year's Okanagan Granfondo was a factor in cancelling the event for good, its head organizer confirmed.
Jodi Cross, executive director of the race, said in an email to Black Press Media that she "would be lying if this year's incident didn’t play a role" in ending the iconic event, which brought more than 25,000 cyclists to Penticton since its inception in 2011.
"It put an enormous strain on many of our volunteers and staff, which pales in comparison to the impact felt by the family, friends, and fellow cyclists of those directly impacted," Cross said of the tragedy, which left the community reeling on July 13. A vehicle hit three event participants on White Lake Road south of Penticton that morning.
The victim who lost their life was later identified as lifelong Lower Mainland volunteer Ava Choy. RCMP has not released additional information about the two cyclists who were injured on scene.
Cross and OG Events, the group that organizes the annual race, announced on Oct. 2 that the event would not return in 2026.
The decision to cancel the event was 16 months in the making, Cross added to Black Press.
"It feels like the right time to pivot and explore new opportunities," she said. "Any other factors, including increased event operation costs, merely validate my decision to shift directions."
In its announcement, OG Events hinted it could start a new gravel cycling ride in the region to "align with where the cycling industry itself is applying its focus in recent years."
Cross doubled down on those talks, saying her goal is to launch a new event in the Okanagan that would welcome participants for gravel cycling.
"We will also continue Athina’s ride that was attached to the Granfondo, as we have done incredible work," Cross added. "Thanks to many of the cyclists of the Granfondo, we raised over $400,000 for the Desmoid Foundation of Canada, a rare disease that my daughter battles."
The discontinuation of the race comes less than two weeks after the Tripleshot Cycling Club on Vancouver Island announced it was cancelling the 10th annual CrossFondo due to safety-related costs.
One of that event's participants, Lindsay Burgess, also died during last year's race. Following the incident, the club said it dedicated hundreds of hours to improving safety protocols.
It added that updated rules to require professional traffic control personnel at every intersection, even where cyclists have the right of way, would "quadruple traffic management costs compared to last year."
Organizers' announcement on Okanagan Granfondo prompted public reactions from local travel and tourism organizations as well as elected officials, including Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield.
In a statement, Bloomfield said the race "etched its place into Penticton’s sporting event history."
"While it’s tough to see this chapter come to an end, it’s a reflection of how the event landscape and community interests continue to evolve," the mayor said.
"Okanagan Granfondo will be remembered fondly in Penticton. Thousands of you gave your time as volunteers, trained hard to participate, or cheered from the sidelines – whether it was for friends, family or complete strangers.
"But times change. Gears shift. And just as events pivot, so must we."
The decision to end Okanagan Granfondo also comes 15 months after Ironman Canada, another sports endurance event, announced it was leaving Penticton in favour of Ottawa, Ont.
Penticton continues to host the Peach City Classic Triathlon, which welcomed its largest field of athletes ever this past July, and Penticton Dragon Boat Festival. The city also just wrapped up hosting the Adventure Racing World Championships, an annual multi-day race that featured teams from more than 25 countries.
— with files from Tony Trozzo
