One of North America’s top cycling teams will suit up for the 2013 Banff GranFondo as part of a week-long training camp in preparation for the Tour of Alberta.
Team Smartstop, a UCI Continental cycling team which includes Canadian criterium champion Ben Chaddock will ride alongside 1,500 riders from Banff to Lake Louise and back. The 142-kilometre course will travel down Banff Avenue and up Tunnel Mountain before heading out on Highway 1A to Lake Louise before returning to town at 10 a.m.
Chaddock, a former alpine racer and Banff Bikefest cyclist, said he can’t wait to bring his teammates north of the border.
“The stars aligned. It’s the opportune situation to get ready for the Tour of Alberta. The whole team is coming to Canmore for an altitude camp and we’ll come down and support this event,” Chaddock said.
Showing off the area’s scenery, he said there aren’t a ton of riding options in the area, but they more than make up for it with the spectacular scenery.
“Scenery, clean air and being in the forest makes up for the desire for more variability,” Chaddock said.
Chaddock participated in the 2009 Banff Bikefest, and was a forerunner at the 2006 Lake Louise World Cup alpine race, so he’s familiar with the area. Even though the Rocky Mountains were cut from this year’s Tour of Alberta due to flooding, he’s glad to get some elevation training in the Bow Valley.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in Invermere, Radium, Lake Louise and Canmore. I can’t wait to take the guys up Norquay for a climb.”
GranFondo is considered a long training ride, but Chaddock said his team might show some speed if the opportunity arises.
“I don’t know what we’ll do as a team. If someone wants to go faster, maybe we’ll do that. I don’t think we’ll be racing, but maybe we’ll assist,” Chaddock said.
