two cyclists riding along a river with people cheering them on in the foreground and a lobster mascot in the background

(CLARE, NS - CANADA): Registration has opened for the sixth edition of Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, which will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, after a three-year hiatus.

The Gran Fondo has quickly grown to become a bucket-list “must-do” cycling and cultural experience. As the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, the unrivaled community spirit, breath-taking ocean views and celebratory lobster dinner have won the hearts of cyclists worldwide. The event hosted 992 cyclists in 2019, welcoming cyclists from as far away as Alaska and Australia.

The Gran Fondo appeals to recreational riders of all skill levels, as well as to the avid racer, offering three exhilarating rides on low-traffic roads. Experienced riders will be challenged by our slightly modified 128 km Gran route, adding the scenic Bas-de-la-Rivière coastal loop, while intermediate and novice cyclists may prefer the shorter 67 km Medio or 35 km Piccolo rides. Riders will navigate rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, passing by towering wooden churches along the panoramic coastal route that hugs beautiful Baie Sainte-Marie. E-bikes are also permitted to ride in the 67 km and 35 km rides.

The community spirit is off the charts: hundreds of local residents roll out the welcome mat and enthusiastically cheer cyclists on from the roadside, waving Acadian flags and banging pots and pans. Around 150 local volunteers will be recruited to ensure the smooth logistics of the event.

Due to anticipated renovation work related to the revitalization of the Clare Veterans Centre, the 2023 event will be held at Université Sainte-Anne (1695 Highway 1, Church Point). Lunch is included and is a choice of a vegetarian option, BBQ pork or the perennial favourite, fresh lobster in the shell. On Saturday, riders are invited to a social event for a taste of Acadian culture.

Registration is CAN$129 and includes an event jersey, post-ride meal, swag bag, chip timing, rest stops and animation along the route. Cyclists are encouraged to register early to participate in draws to win a free registration.

“We can’t wait to host another high-quality event that continues to grow and attract cyclists from all over Nova Scotia and the world. It’s been a long wait and we’re excited to see all the smiles again,” stated Pam Doucet, Chairperson, Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie.

For more information and to register online, visit www.granfondobaiesaintemarie.ca/en

Watch our 2023 YouTube promo video:  https://youtu.be/GxX0R7j9830

Media contacts:

Pam Doucet
Director, Community Development
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Larry Peach
Tourism Manager
Municipality of Clare
902-769-8555, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.