Rules & Guidelines

Rules

This is not an official “race”, but rather a self-paced ride.
Helmets are mandatory. An approved cycling helmet is required. Cyclists must wear a certified cycling helmet with the chinstrap buckled at all times while riding on the course.
Ride within the designated route. Ride safely and in control and single file whenever possible. Any cyclist who is deemed to be riding unsafely, discourteously or recklessly will be removed from the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Any riders found cycling outside the designated cycling lane for the RBC GranFondo Whistler will be automatically disqualified and pulled from the course on the spot.
No outside support vehicles allowed along the course. Support vehicles and spectators are allowed in designated areas only. It is unsafe for spectators to stop at any other spot along the route.
Emergency Vehicles ALWAYS have the right of way. If a rider encounters an emergency vehicle, the rider is to give way to the emergency vehicle by pulling over, stopping and dismounting.
Display your event number at all times. All registered cyclists must wear their event number according to race instructions, including not bending the bike plate in any way. Riders who fail to do so will not receive an official finish time.
No unregistered individuals. Unregistered riders will not be allowed on course during the event.
Participants are permitted to use standard road bicycles, hybrids, or commuters. If you are interested in participating using any vehicle other than the standard road bicycle, we require that you contact us no later than one month in advance of the event.
No usage of headphones, personal stereos or cell phones while riding.
RBC GranFondo Whistler riders under the age of 19 on race day must have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian at VeloSpoke in order to participate. Additionally, those under 19 on race day must ride with their parent or guardian throughout the course.
Course closures: The finish line of the RBC GranFondo Whistler will close at 4:00pm. Riders who are travelling slower than 15 km/h will still be permitted to continue, but they must follow the rules of the road. (NOTE: Consideration will be given for the length of time it takes for all riders to pass through the start chute.) Some stoppages may occur along the course to facilitate vehicular traffic flow at intersections.
No littering on course. Riders are to dispose of garbage in designated garbage bins only. Riders caught littering will be disqualified from the event.
All riders are to obey traffic officers and course marshals. To disobey instructions from these individuals will result in disqualification from the ride.
Public urination is not permitted. When nature calls, riders are asked to use portalets provided at Rest Stops.

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Podiums

Results will show two times: chip time and gun time. For the purpose of podiums for the Gran Fondo, Forte and St. Regis Cup, gun start, chip finish will be used to determine placings.

This means that the first rider to cross the line will always place ahead of the next rider to cross the line. Gran Fondo and Forte previously used chip start, meaning a rider could start later but ride faster than a competitor ahead of them, and therefore be ahead of them on the podium. From 2025, we have revised and communicated the change to a gun start.

St. Regis Cup team riders are not eligible for the Gran Fondo podium.

All riders will still be able to see their chip start / finish time in results - but this will not be used for podium placement.

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Course cut-offs

47% of all incident call outs occur due to riders who decide to continue against our advice after falling behind the sweep vehicle as road re-opening requirements occur.

As such, for reasons of safety for riders, staff and volunteers, you must be able to make it to the following locations by the times below. If not, we will require you to be swept from the ride. There will be no access to services should you choose to continue unsupported. Unsupported riders must organise their own transportation should they need assistance once the course is re-opened to public traffic.

Cut-off times - Gran Fondo

- Alice Lake Rest Stop (Gran Fondo 72.5km): 11:50pm cut off

- Salt Shed Rest Stop (Gran Fondo 88km) 12:45pm cut off

- Brandywine Rest Stop (Gran Fondo 105km: 2:15pm cut off

Cut-off times - Forte

- Brandywine Rest Stop (105km): 12:30pm cut off
nb Forte riders missing this cutoff will be directed to bypass the Callaghan climb and route directly to Whistler

nb. Start times:
St. Regis Cup 6:00am
Forte 6:05am
Alta Classe 6:10am
Gran Fondo 6:20am
Medio 9:00am (in Whistler)

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Guidelines

Before riding with us, please watch our Safety Video to familiarize yourself on how to ride an RBC GranFondo event.

Be familiar with British Columbia’s Rules of the Road. Riders will have a dedicated lane, but it is still advisable you familiarize yourself in BC’s cycling and road rules.
Be aware of others around you and communicate well in advance while cycling. Use gestures in combination with verbal commands. Pass on the left only. It is recommended that cyclists advise others that they are about to pass – politely saying “on your left” upon approaching a rider usually does the trick. Ride with your head up. Look down the road not at the person in front of you.
If you choose to stop while on course, signal to the riders behind and pull over safely. Our on-course support team (mechanics, ride marshals, medical staff) may ask you to indicate whether or not you need assistance. If you’re okay, then signal with a “thumbs-up” to say, “Everything’s good with me.”
Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
Know your limits. Crashes can occur when inexperienced riders do not have bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack.
Always plan an escape route.
Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
Be respectful of other riders and help others when needed.
The use of aerobars and riding in the aero-position is not allowed for the RBC GranFondo Whistler.

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Event Cancellation

If circumstances require that the entire or a portion of the event is canceled or changed for reasons such as but not limited to extreme weather, fire, poor air quality, landslide, revoked permits, protest, demonstrations, accidents, terrorist incidents, health emergencies or health decries, etc., no refunds will be processed to the participant.

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Not completing the event

If circumstances where an individual is involved in an accident or mechanical that limits or completely hinders their ability to finish, no refunds will be processed to the participant.

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Deferral policy

Participants can now defer their entry to the following event year in the event of an injury or scheduling conflict. It is important to note that this policy is only in effect until August 15, at 11:59 am (PST) and ALL deferrals must be made before that date. After this point, we will have applied for all permits, purchased all event materials and confirmed catering numbers meaning that we have committed all registrations to the event, with no possibility of getting these funds back.
The cost for deferring an entry is $100* + tax and processing fees. Contact Athlete Relations at info@rbcgranfondo.com for details.

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Transfer policy

Participants can transfer their 2026 registration to another rider for the same year. It is important to note that this policy is only in effect until September 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm (PST) and ALL transfers must be made before that date.

The cost for transferring an entry is $100* + tax and processing fees. Contact Athlete Relations at info@rbcgranfondo.com for details.

Volunteer to Reduce your Deferral Fee by Half!

Participants who are looking to defer their registration can have half ($50) of their fee waived by volunteering during the event. The volunteer position will be determined with the Volunteer Team and will be chosen to adapt to the needs of both the participant and the event.

To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Athlete Relations at info@rbcgranfondo.com. They will coordinate the transfer fee of $50 +tax and processing, as well as registration for the volunteer position. The deadline to reduce your deferral fee is August 20, at 11:59 am (PST).

This way you still get to be a part of the event and help out your fellow riders accomplish their ride from Vancouver to Whistler.

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