# This year, you're the DJ! 🎧 

> Seize the day, seize the celebration, seize the sounds of the Sea to Sky on Sept 12.

**Published by:** [News from RBC GranFondo](https://blog.rbcgranfondo.com/)
**Published on:** 2026-08-25
**Categories:** news, life, fomo, memories, community, local, medio
**URL:** https://blog.rbcgranfondo.com/we-need-one-song-from-you

## Content

Can you hear it yet? Get ready for a treat of the senses. Cred: Robin O'Neill In just over two weeks, you'll hear the click of cleats in Stanley Park, the chatter of thousands of riders waiting to roll, then the hum of the peloton across a closed Lions Gate Bridge as the day finally begins. Further north, the city gives way to ocean and mountains. The rush of Howe Sound. Rest stops coming alive. Riders encouraging each other through the kilometres. And eventually, a finish in Whistler you'll hear long before you see it. These are the Sounds of the Sea to Sky. And this year, part of the soundtrack is yours to choose with our official soundtrack vote - send us the songs that get you pumped up! So, what's your hype song...? Let's get it playing. Submit your song for the playlist The story before you even start Those moments, right before... Cred: Chris Dutton Guest article by Kristen Anderson, Mental Strength Ambassador "Your mind may tell you to quit before you have the chance to begin. That doesn't mean you're not ready or equipped to ride. "As event day approaches, that voice can get louder: “You can't.” “You're unprepared.” “You'll get hurt.” Anxiety is making a prediction, not stating a fact. "Anxiety can cause us to overestimate both the likelihood of something going wrong and how difficult it would be to handle. Those thoughts can feel convincing, especially when repeated. The quickest way to quiet them can seem like leaving the situation altogether. That brings immediate relief, but it also gives the story more power. "When the story arrives, use this method: Catch. Check. Choose. Here's how to use it... We can do amazing things. Cred: Sterling Lorence "Catch the exact thought: “I won't make it,” or “I'm not ready.” "Check it. Is this a fact or a prediction? What does your training tell you? What would you say to a teammate having the same thought? "Choose a balanced response, not forced positivity, but something honest and useful: “I'm nervous because this matters. I have prepared. I can begin, ride the next section and respond to what the day brings.” "Then take one concrete action: pack your kit, confirm your ride or show up at package pickup. "Mental strength isn't about silencing every doubtful thought. It's about hearing the story without automatically following it. That is Aretē: meeting the challenge with what you have built when the moment comes. Your mind can have a voice without having the final vote." Kristen Anderson, Mental Strength Ambassador Want more tools to get you to the start line stronger? Find Kristen at the Whole Athlete Lab at VeloSpoke Bike Expo on September 11. Plan your ride A different distance. The full experience 55km never felt so good: the Medio is the best of inclusive biking. Not everyone wants or needs to ride 122km to have an unforgettable day on the bike. The 55km Medio is a more accessible way to experience RBC GranFondo Whistler. It's ideal if you're newer to the sport, still on the fence about taking part, or simply haven't had the time or inclination to train for the full Gran Fondo distance. Already registered for the Gran Fondo but feeling a different pace this year? There's still time to transfer into Medio and choose the challenge that feels right for you. You'll start in Whistler with a fiesta atmosphere, take on a spectacular Sea to Sky challenge, then cross the same finish line as the entire field, with cowbells clanking, crowds cheering and the full Celebration Plaza experience waiting for you. And this year, there's a new reason to test the legs... Inclusive, fun, and celebrating you: the Medio. Both images cred: Filip Funk Brand new Medio podiums, including champagne spray! We're introducing men's and women's Medio podiums, decided on a timed KOM/QOM segment from the base of the Callaghan climb to the top. The three fastest women and men earn full awards ceremony podium places, with each top-step winner receiving a custom Type II Studio 3D Route Artifact. ps: Gran Fondo and Forte top-step finishers will receive one too. The best thing about the podiums? It's got to be the champagne moment - and we believe that isn't something that should be gatekept to a few. Everyone deserves a fair shot at feeling on top of the world. And now, the 55km Medio gets that too. Whatever your ambition, choose the distance that works for you. The one thing that stays the same is the epic experience. Discover the Medio Your front row to the Sea to Sky Alta Classe is the most unique experience in cycling, bar none. Cred: Heath Moffat There is riding the Sea to Sky. And then there's riding it in Alta Classe presented by KITS. Alta Classe is for riders who want the day elevated from beginning to end. Think totally turnkey: express package pickup, the Stanley Park Start Line Lounge, event-day bag check and your own priority start corral. Then comes something very few cyclists ever experience: being among the first riders across a traffic-free Lions Gate Bridge after the racers depart. In Whistler, the Alta Classe Celebration Plaza Lounge awaits with gourmet food, drinks and a few surprises. Thanks to the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy at The Mend, Alta Classe riders can also relax deeper by accessing complimentary massage treatment after the ride in Whistler. Check out the all-inclusive, unlimited menu... And the local touches continue. KITS, our Vancouver-based presenting partner, is helping elevate the experience, hosting you every step of the way. You'll be receiving their exclusive gift of the stylish and pro Breakaway glasses in your swag bag. In addition, Canada's largest automotive group Dilawri will be gifting more exclusive swag waiting for Alta Classe riders. Look forward to the road ahead with a pair of these complimentary performance cycling socks - a perfect match your 2026 RBC GranFondo Whistler cycling apparel. Oh yes, and you'll get a treat for your tastebuds with a premium offering from Wilder Cookies. Less waiting. More enjoying the moments you've come here for. Elevation at every turn: Alta Classe is all that and more. Isn't it about time you treated yourself to something more? Upgrade to Alta Classe today The crescendo is coming Louder, louder, louder! Cred: Filip Funk There comes a point when preparation gives way to anticipation. The kilometres have been ridden, the hills have been climbed, and September 12 is suddenly just around the corner. Soon, thousands of riders will gather with different goals, different distances and different stories. What they'll share is one extraordinary day on the Sea to Sky, from the nervous energy before the start to the sound of cowbells welcoming riders across the finish line in Whistler. This is the moment to put your fitness to use, take on the challenge and be part of the crescendo celebration of the summer. Seize the day. We'll see you on the Sea to Sky. Submit your song Bring on September 12's cycling celebrations 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 partners We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

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