Young cyclist cousins take wins at Granfondo Okanagan

PENTICTON, B.C. — Two aspiring youth cyclists with roots in Fort St. John took the victory in a prestigious road race this past weekend.

Cousins Romeo Bowie and Callum Horst participated in the Granfondo Okanagan cycling race in Penticton on July 12th and 13th.

The race is now in its 13th year and has different classes, ranging from a child’s race of up to five kilometres to the main event: a gruelling 155-kilometre trek through B.C.’s wine country.

The 16-year-old Bowie had planned to enter the child’s Piccolofondo event back in 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.

Admitting he was “relatively new to cycling,” he jumped at the chance to participate this year, having been trained by his grandfather, Les Elliott, for around a month.

“I have been looking forward to this race since I was nine years old,” said Bowie. “I have been running consistently for the past year and a half.”

The 16-year-old Bowie outlasted all other entrants in the Mediofondo, a race of 85-kilometres, to take the victory in a ride he shared with his grandfather, who came in 22nd position.

“I’m so glad that he’s still in shape,” said Bowie. “He was definitely one of the best mentors that I could have asked for.”

Meanwhile, Bowie’s 10-year-old cousin, Horst, competed in the Piccolofondo, also taking the victory and making the win a truly family affair.

“I was super proud of him,” said Bowie. “He worked really hard.”

The Granfondo Okanagan took place with some tragedy during 2025, a sombre reminder of the danger of road racing.

Multiple news outlets reported a crash between cyclists and a motorist during the event, which left one dead and two taken to hospital.

Bowie said he was ahead of the collision and was unaffected, saying he felt “lucky” he was not involved.

More details about the Granfondo Okanagan are available on its website.