# Meet the winners - are YOU featured?

> Big contest winners announced inside.

**Published by:** [News from RBC GranFondo](https://blog.rbcgranfondo.com/)
**Published on:** 2025-10-07
**Categories:** announcements, stories, promo, mexico, photos
**URL:** https://blog.rbcgranfondo.com/meet-the-winners-are-you-featured

## Content

As the cooler weather comes to Canada, it's time to look ahead to your next vacation escape - and where better than the sunny party atmosphere of GranFondo Riviera Nayarit, Mexico!Taking place on Sat April 18, 2026, experience the sand to sun fiesta where RBC GranFondo Whistler quality meets Mexico's unique experiences. Grab a great event promo hotel rate now, extend your stay for a week and soak up all the beach and adventure your heart could desire, all while using the bike as an excuse to get involved!Register now - GranFondo Riviera Nayarit, April 18 2026And now, back to Whistler...The hidden hero - Hector VasquezChampagne moments.The Lanterne Rouge is a storied tradition both at the Tour de France and RBC GranFondo Whistler.The final rider to cross the line within the time cutoff is celebrated for what they are - a champion of determination, bravery and endurance.When some would call it a day, others suffer in the saddle for longer. Meet this year's Lanterne Rouge: Hector Vasquez Ruiz, who travelled from one of our favourite countries!RBC GranFondo Whistler: Where are you from Hector - and how are you feeling?Hector: Mexico! I just started cycling 6 months ago... and I feel great!GF: How were the aid stations? We heard there were oysters at one of them, that is true?H: That's not true, haha! The aid stations were awesome, that helped a lot to be able to finish - essential!GF: Will you come back?H: I'll be back - I really loved it. Thank you very much! RBC GranFondo Whistler 2026Environmental deferral deadline Did you choose the environmental deferral in 2025? Your deadline to register with your deferral link is November 15, 2025The speed queen - Carolyn RussellTake your hat off to Carolyn Russell who took this year's tape in an incredible 3:34.09 and claimed her spot as the fastest Gran Fondo female for 2025.We chatted with her right after sealing victory, and here's what she had to say:GF: Give us a flavour of your day and how you're feeling.Carolyn: Sure! This was my 12th RBC GranFondo Whistler, and today was my fastest time - I feel fantastic! I was extremely nervous with the weather forecast but the skies calmed down and it turned into a perfect Fondo day.GF: If you could go back and talk to the woman starting her first event, what would you say?C: The first Fondo was quite something. We had, I don't know how many, 5,000 people who'd never ridden a Fondo before. And it was incredible. That start on Georgia and the ride through Stanley Park. I will never forget it. I think I knew that this is something I would do every year. Every year that was possible. Obviously, I missed a couple. But yeah, I'd say just keep going and you'll do many more.GF: What message do you have for those lining up at the start in 2026?C: Enjoy it. This is a special race. We are extremely lucky to live in Vancouver and have the Whistler Gran Fondo. It's hard to imagine 16 years ago or 17 when there was no 'Fondo. When I first heard there was a Fondo, I told my boyfriend "we're doing this". He didn't even have a bike...we got him a bike!It's just a special thing. And all those people, especially if it's their first time, they need to understand how special and how lucky we are to have this opportunity here in Vancouver.Join Carolyn at RBC GranFondo Whistler 2026First time ever - Ambassador applications now openOfficially founded in 2024, the RBC GranFondo Whistler ambassador program began as an invite-only, 50-50 gender split small-batch and hand-picked cohort of community superstars who exemplified our local cycling culture together with an inspirational mindset.Now moving into its 3rd year, we are delighted to announce that 2 places have been opened up for new aspiring ambassadors - and applications are being accepted now until Sun Oct 19 at midnight.What does an ambassador do?Across Canada, the US and further afield, ambassadors represent and exemplify the values of the event: driving camaraderie, community-focus and being leaders by example.Playing to their individual strengths, you might find them out and about coaching, charting their experiences online, or simply leading rides and encouraging others.What do we ask of ambassadors?Depending on what you feel is your personal strength, we'll come up with a set of clear directions throughout the year to make sure there's accountability baked into the cake. That could look like social media posts, in-person appearances, or promo code redemptions.If you're stoked to make things happen, we're stoked to have you on the team.What do ambassadors get in return?Apart from the warm and fuzzies, ambassadors receive complimentary entry into RBC GranFondo Whistler.In addition, we work closely with our partners to create opportunities for ambassadors, whether that be access to zero-fee product, promotion for their personal businesses or opening up networking connections.What makes a great ambassador?You've got a can-do, entrepreneurial get-up-and-go attitude, have a creative side, and are super passionate about seeing more people in cycling. Even better: when you speak, people listen.How do I apply?Sound like you? Shoot us an email and let us know why you think you'd be a great fit as an ambassador for 2026! Applications close Sunday Oct 19th at midnight.PS: we'd love to know if you ride gravel, too!Apply nowHumans of the 'Fondo - a new photo project coming soon!Candid camera. Credit: Duy LeWe met talented photographer, storyteller and cycling fan Duy Le at last year's Eastside Culture Crawl, and instantly knew that a new type of creative project needed to come about at this year's RBC GranFondo Whistler.Enter: Humans of the 'Fondo - a series of portraits and stories that'll be told throughout 2026 of the the real people who make up the very fabric of what this community is about. You hear tales of everything from peoples' doubts and dreams, their inspiration and indigestions, plus a whole host of the very humanness that connects us all together.Stay tuned!Okay, you've waited long enough...Turkish Airlines & Belvedere Bike Hotel Italy winners announced!Everyone who registered before this past Sept 10 (Turkish Airlines) and Sept 30 (Belvedere Bike Hotel) were entered into a draw to win some incredible prizes. Here are the winners.First up, Turkish Airlines. Taking home 2 return tickets to Istanbul, Turkiye...Congratulations to Will Rogers! You're off to explore the world beyond the bike with Turkish Airlines - the airline that flies to the most countries!Next, it's time to announce the winner of a weeklong stay at the world-class Belvedere Bike Hotel, Italy!The winner is ... *drumroll*Congratulazioni to Greg Banero! You're about to experience one of the finest cycling, cuisine and hospitality combinations at Marina's incredible bike hotel in coastal Riccione, Italy - TripAdvisor's winner of Traveler's Choice Awards: Best of the Best 2024!We can't wait to hear about both Will's and Greg's trips.For those who didn't win but were in the draw, keep your eyes peeled throughout the coming year as we bring you a feast more competitions and prizes that'll be up for grabs! It's all a part of the RBC GranFondo Whistler community experience.RBC GranFondo Whistler 2026 - get involvedThis is what it's all about. Photo: Eddie MuscroftCycling is for everyone - and so is RBC GranFondo Whistler.Make sure you're with us for the 17th edition on Sept 12, 2026, as together we continue to create those indelible moments that live forever in the memory.Register nowPay in installments from 0%We acknowledge the land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.Thank you to our partnersWe gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

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