Hundreds of off-road cyclists set for Tripleshot CrossFondo in Greater Victoria
Published 12:34 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Greater Victoria’s only mass-participation off-road cycling event is returning to the Saanich Peninsula on Oct. 18, after a one-year hiatus.
More than 300 cyclists are registered for the 45-kilometre and 25-kilometre distances in the Tripleshot CrossFindo. The ride begins at Layritz Park and features pine needle trails, roots, rocks and mud through the Highlands and Hartland Mountain Bike Park.
Last year’s ride was cancelled due to safety concerns regarding the course.
In 2024, two-time provincial cyclocross champion Lindsay Burgess died after being struck by a truck at the intersection of Central Saanich and Tanner roads during the race.
For its return, organizers have implemented a new traffic safety plan.
In the wake of Burgess’ death, organizer Lister Farrar said the Tripleshot community worked to improve safety planning for this year’s event, including adding chutes to narrow paths that would force riders to slow down ahead of intersections.
“The Tripleshot CrossFondo’s number one priority has always been the safety of participants and volunteers,” Tripleshot said in a release.
Organizers worked with ISL Engineering and Land Services to design a course focused on rider safety.
While roughly 80 per cent of the route takes place on trails and private property, cyclists will cross public roadways in Saanich between 9:10 and 11:30 a.m.
Affected crossing points include intersections at Interurban Road and Viaduct Avenue, Prospect Lake Road and Francis King Regional Park, Munn Road and Francis King Park, Munn Road and Woodridge Place, Hartland Road and Kiowa Road, Willis Point Road and Wallace Drive, Sparling and Prospect Lake roads at West Saanich Road, and Interurban Road at Quayle Road.
Riders are briefed on road safety and are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. Paid traffic control staff will manage major intersections.
“Where cyclists have the right of way, trained (volunteer) course marshals are in place to help ensure the safety of both cyclists and motorists,” Tripleshot said.
While the race will feature some parts on public roads, the vast majority of the route takes place on private land.
“While many of the trails you will be riding are on public land, the western part of Greater Victoria is a hodgepodge, and there is no way we could string together an enjoyable course without crossing private land,” TripleShot said.
“Private landowners have been very gracious in allowing us access to their properties so that we can minimize the amount of road riding you will have to do.”
The event is a fundraiser for the Tripleshot Cycling Club youth program, which supports training for riders aged 11 to 18.
Since 2016, the event has also donated $16,500 to support the South Vancouver Island Nature Trail Society and the South Island Mountain Bike Society.
The ride is supported by 140 volunteers and more than 50 landowners who open their properties for the day.