Only 1250 bikes will be going through Oliver in the 160 km Granfondo.

The other two races turn at OK Falls and return to Penticton.

2,600 cyclists (in total) take to the roads for the start of the fourth annual Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan this weekend.

This year’s event, July 13, will attract riders from as far away as Norway, Japan, Australia and Bahrain.

Riders range in age from teens to 84-years-old, with more than half the registrants riding the full 160 km Granfondo distance, approximately 35 percent riding the 92 km Mediofondo and 15 percent tackling the 55 km Cortofondo.

Among those participating are former Belgian national cycling champion, Axel Merckx.

He will be joined by Canadian Olympic legend, Clara Hughes, former mountain bike Olympic medalist , Alison Sydor, professional triathlete and Penticton local Jeff Symonds, two members of the Bissell Development professional cycling team, Ryan Eastman and Tanner Putt, and Canadian musician Barney Bentall.

Other notable cyclists participating are Vancouver Canucks president and former NHL All-Star, Trevor Linden, as well as current Edmonton Oilers head coach, Dallas Eakins.