(Leduc, Alberta) The third annual Festivus of Gravel p/b Castelli Cycling on May 24 was a huge success once again, as 295 riders saddled up at this year’s start line, marking a 50% increase over last year.

Warm weather greeted participants at the new start/finish location in the City of Leduc, including a new route in Western Leduc County. Riders enjoyed four curated routes from 24km to 150km along the pristine gravel roads and by-ways of Leduc & Wetaskiwin Counties in the heart of Alberta.

The event was well-received by residents and businesses alike and this year the Festivus of Gravel supported the Prostate Cancer Centre raising $2K to date with more to come.

“We really appreciate everyone coming out and of course all of our event partners, volunteers, local bike shops, and all of our supporters. It’s exciting to see the event grow and luckily, we were one week before the monsoon hit us here,” commented co-organizer Alex Stieda of Tour de France yellow jersey fame.

Sponsors included the City of Leduc, Leduc County, Castelli Cycling, United Sport & Cycle, Cranky’s Bike Shop, Hardcore Bikes, Revolution Cycle, Radstyle Cycle, Mud Sweat and Gears, Vittoria Group, Skratch Labs, Shimano, Flexion Bike Fit, Best Cycling Great Escapes, Squirt Cycling Products Canada, Leduc Brewing, and Big Hand Craft Distilleries.

Results are available here.