Gran Fondo Badlands 2026

Gran Fondo Badlands 2026

Presented by TransRockies Race Series
Road Cycling
Drumheller, Canada
Jul 4, 2026
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About This Event

The 2026 event has not been confirmed yet, but Gran Fondo Badlands stands out as one of Canada’s most distinctive road cycling experiences. Starting at the world’s largest dinosaur—a 26-meter fiberglass T-Rex in Drumheller—riders explore the otherworldly landscape of the Canadian Badlands through four distance options from 50km to 162km.

Founded in 2011 and now operated by the TransRockies Race Series, the event takes full advantage of the Dinosaur Valley’s unique terrain. The route winds through dramatic hoodoo formations, offers sweeping river and coulee vistas, and includes the signature Bleriot Ferry crossing over the Red Deer River. Every rider tackles the Ferry Hill Climb, a 1km timed segment immediately after disembarking, with King and Queen of the Mountain prizes awarded for each distance category.

The course combines scenic riding with challenging elements—expect short but serious climbs alongside the distinctive badlands scenery that has served as a backdrop for over 50 film and television productions. Multiple bridge crossings and passages through historical villages add variety to the terrain.

Recent improvements include enhanced course signage, timing mats at key turnarounds (75km, 100km, 163km), expanded vendor village, additional course photographers, and a dedicated corporate area. The event maintains strong rider support through strategically placed aid stations and a dedicated WhatsApp group for real-time communication with organizers.

TransRockies brings over two decades of endurance event experience to the production, having operated challenging events across Western North America since 2002. The result is a well-supported event that balances the unique geological setting with solid logistics and community atmosphere.


TransRockies Race Series

Event Organizer
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The TransRockies Race Series is a unique multi-sport event series spanning Road cycling, MTB, and Trail events throughout North America.  Many of their events are multi-day, and all take place in spectacular destinations. It currently features 10 events over nearly 40 days annually across Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, and Utah. TransRockies Events feature best-in-class participant support and a fun social atmosphere. TransRockies Race Series has been operating challenging and unique endurance events since 2002. Starting with the TransRockies Challenge mountain bike stage race in 2002, it added the TransRockies Run trail running stage race in Colorado in 2007. The TransRockies Run, a multi-day, point-to-point trail running race that invites runners to challenge themselves on the rugged trails of the Colorado Rockies, has become one of their most popular offerings. Participants cover distances ranging from 120 to 200 miles over the course of several days, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

TransRockies Race Series sets itself apart as an event producer by its geographic coverage and the quality and uniqueness of the single and multi-day events it runs. The series is also known for the Moab Rocks Mountain Bike Stage Race, which combines classic Moab single track with slickrock and magnificent desert scenery, offering a fun and challenging experience for mountain biking enthusiasts. With a focus on providing a unique race experience, the TransRockies Race Series has become a staple in the endurance racing community, attracting athletes from all over who seek adventure, camaraderie, and the satisfaction of completing a demanding physical challenge.

The TransRockies Race Series currently operates ten events over 40 days annually in Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, and Utah. Strambecco covers several of their events, including Moab Run the Rocks, Moab Rocks, Moab Fondo Fest, which includes the Gran Fondo Moab and Gravel Fondo Moab, Golden Rush, Gran Fondo Badlands, TransRockies Single Track-6, TransRockies Run, TransRockies Gravel Royale, TranSelkirks Run, and the Golden Ultra.

We consider their races and events to be some of the best out there and have been featured in a handful of our popular ‘Best’ articles, including the best road cycling race events in the Southwest, the best MTB race events in the Southwest, the best gravel cycling race events in the Rockies, the best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest, and the best cycling race events in all of Canada.

 

 

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