Tour de Riding Mountain: TWO DAYS, THREE EVENTS, RIDE OR RACE ONE OR ALL THREE!

Tour de Riding Mountain – May 31 & June 1

Ride. Race. Experience.

Join us in Riding Mountain National Park for the Tour de Riding Mountain, a two-day cycling celebration open to all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned racer, a recreational rider, or someone new to cycling events, there’s something for everyone — ride one event or take on all three.

The weekend features a scenic and challenging Gran Fondo, the Manitoba Provincial Road Race, a solo Time Trial, and a fast-paced Criterium in downtown Dauphin. Choose your challenge and enjoy a supportive, fun-filled atmosphere with beautiful backdrops, great people, and purpose-driven riding.

Every registration supports the future of cycling in Manitoba through the MCA Provincial Program—helping young athletes access training, coaching, and race opportunities across the province.

Saturday, May 31 – Choose your event: Gran Fondo or Provincial Road Championship Race

The weekend kicks off Saturday morning with two distinct events starting from the same location: the Gran Fondo and the Manitoba Provincial Road Race, both beginning at the Northgate Trailhead at Hwy 10. Riders will take on a stunning, rolling course through Riding Mountain National Park. The road will remain open to vehicle traffic but will be well-marked and marshalled to ensure a safe experience for all participants.

Start times:

  • 10:00 AM – Cat 1/2/3 Men (100 km)
  • 10:03 AM – Cat 4 Men & Cat 2/3/4 Women (100 km)
  • 10:06 AM – Cat 5 Men & Women (60 km)
  • 10:09 AM – Gran Fondo Long Course (100 km)
  • 10:12 AM – Gran Fondo Short Course (60 km)

2025 Manitoba Provincial Race.

The Road Race is the 2025 Manitoba Provincial Championship for road biking.  With separate start times by category, it is a true test of racing skill, strength, and strategy.  All racers must hold a valid 2025 Manitoba Race License or 2025 UCI License to compete.

Provincial Championship medals will be awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each category. Only Manitoba residents are eligible to receive Provincial medals—non-residents who place in the top three will be acknowledged but will not be awarded a championship medal.

The Gran Fondo

The Gran Fondo is a timed endurance ride designed for cyclists who want a personal challenge on a beautiful and demanding course. Choose between the 60 km or 100 km route and ride at your own pace—whether you’re chasing a top finisher prize or just aiming to cross the finish line.

A road bike is required for the 100 km event. For the 60 km distance, we recommend a road, gravel, or cyclocross bike for comfort and efficiency, but mountain bikes are welcome. No MCA race license is required, but participants without a 2025 Manitoba Race License or UCI License must purchase a Single Event Day Permit (note: a single event day permit does not include sport accident insurance).

Awards & BBQ Celebration – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

After the ride or race, participants and spectators are invited to the Awards and BBQ Celebration at the Northgate Trailhead. A BBQ lunch is included for all registered participants; additional meals will be available for purchase by spectators on-site.

Sunday, June 1 – Time Trial & Criterium

Time Trial – 9:00 AM

The action kicks off Sunday morning with the Individual Time Trial, often referred to as “the race of truth.” This solo race against the clock is a unique challenge where every rider competes individually, focusing solely on their own pacing, strategy, and endurance. There’s no group dynamic or drafting in this event, making it a perfect introduction to competitive cycling.

Non-MCA members are welcome to participate. If you do not hold a valid 2025 Manitoba Race License or UCI License, you’ll need to purchase a Single Event Day Permit (Please note the single event day permit does not include sport accident insurance). If you participated in the Gran Fondo the previous day and purchased a Single Event Day Permit, you can use that same permit for the Time Trial. No race license is required—just bring your bike, your helmet, and the determination to give it your best effort.

Intro to Crit Racing Clinic – 12:30 PM

If you’re interested in criterium racing but not quite ready for the fast-paced action, join us for the Intro to Crit Racing Clinic at 12:30 PM. This clinic is designed for beginners and those looking to improve their skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Led by Eryn Guenter, MCA Provincial Program Assistant Coach, the clinic will teach you the basics of group race dynamics, cornering techniques, and strategies specific to criterium racing. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence before jumping into the main event. This clinic is free for MCA members, and just $5.00 for non-members.

Criterium – 2:00 PM

The excitement continues with the Criterium at 2:00 PM, held on a fast, technical course in downtown Dauphin. This action-packed event features multiple laps around a short, closed circuit, where racers push themselves to their limits in intense, high-speed races.

Spectators can enjoy live commentary, food trucks, and an event hub hosted by Obsolete Brewing. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the fast-paced action while soaking in the energy of the crowd.

Riders must have a Provincial Race License or UCI License to participate in the Criterium. If you’re not racing, we still encourage you to come down, cheer on the racers, and experience the excitement of the event!

Accommodations
For accommodations, we recommend Dauphin as it is close to the start line, or treat yourself to the picturesque town of Wasagaming! The Vermillion Campground in Dauphin is a great budget option, and there are also several hotels, including the Super 8 and the Best Western Plus, in Dauphin for those seeking more comfort and amenities.

Call for Volunteers
We’re looking for volunteers to help make the Tour de Riding Mountain a success! Whether you’re a seasoned cycling fan or just want to be part of a fantastic event, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. We need volunteers for various roles, with a special focus on Marshalls to help guide participants safely along the course. Volunteers will receive a free meal at the Awards & BBQ Celebration. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Nick Bergen at cycling.coach@sportmanitoba.ca

Support the Future of Cycling

All registrations—whether you’re riding the Fondo, racing the crit, or tackling the time trial—help fund the MCA Provincial Program. This support directly contributes to athlete development across Manitoba by helping provide high-quality coaching, training camps, and race opportunities for youth and emerging competitive cyclists.

Your participation powers the next generation of cyclists—and guarantees you a weekend you won’t forget.

TWO DAYS, THREE EVENTS, RIDE OR RACE ONE OR ALL THREE!