The Okanagan Granfondo is no more.
After more than a decade of bringing cyclists from across the globe to the South Okanagan, event organizers have announced the discontinuation of the race.
Jodi Cross, executive director of the event, said in a statement on Oct. 2, that "it is clear it is now time to step back, reflect on the last 14 years and plan for new opportunities in the sport, leisure and endurance arena."
More than 25,000 cyclists have come to Penticton for the event since its inception in 2011. Athletes would typically start in the Peach City before pedalling down local highways and roads through other nearby communities, including Oliver, Okanagan Falls, and Kaleden.
OG Events, the race's organizers, hinted in a media release that 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." More details on its plans will be announced soon, it added.
The announcement to end the Granfondo comes 15 months after Ironman Canada, another sport endurance event, said it was leaving Penticton in favour of Ottawa, Ont.
"Okanagan Granfondo will be remembered fondly in Penticton," Mayor Julius Bloomfield said in a statement. "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."
Bloomfield added that the city "continues to attract high-profile events." He referred to the Adventure Racing World Championship, which is currently underway and features teams from more than 25 countries, Penticton Dragonboat Festival and the Peach City Classic Triathlon.
"We will continue to adapt to meet the needs of our residents," the mayor stated. "As we look ahead, our events team is exploring new opportunities to facilitate local events and build on the legacy of attracting world-class competitions to our community."
Travel Penticton also reacted to the news Thursday, saying it remains "deeply committed to supporting new opportunities that will continue to shine a light on our vibrant city."
"The spotlight that the Granfondo brought to our community has not only elevated our profile on the world stage, it has also inspired new dreams and opened doors to future events and experiences that will continue to enrich Penticton’s story," said executive director Kevin Pearce.
OG Events was also responsible for bringing the annual Piccolofondo kids' race event to downtown Penticton every July.
The final edition of the Granfondo took place on July 13, 2025.
"Together with our partners and volunteers, the City of Penticton and our loyal participants, we built something very special in the South Okanagan over the years," Cross said.
