Listen to the broadcast version of this story, which ran on Kootenay Morning on July 3, 2026:
By Jaime Frederick, Local Journalism Initiative
Nelson cyclist Svein Tuft has set a new course record at the BC Epic 1000 cycling race, completing the 1,050-kilometre course from Merritt to Fernie in just two days, 2 hours and 11 minutes. His speedy finish shaved almost an hour off his previous record, set in 2024.
Tuft said his goal this year was to complete the course in under 48 hours but, partly due to the fact that he just missed the 2 pm sailing of the Kootenay Lake Ferry on Sunday, he was slightly delayed.
“You know, things went sideways, and I had plans of being much faster,” said Tuft. “But that’s why you take stuff on, right? You learn and you come back with a different plan.”
The BC Epic 1000 is an ultra-endurance cycling event that takes place primarily on gravel and unpaved surfaces. The route traverses forest service roads, trails and even mountain passes, including the Paulson Pass and Grey Creek Pass, incorporating more than 9,000 metres of elevation gain along the way. With an average speed of 20.6 kilometres per hour, the 49-year-old Tuft arrived in Fernie on Monday morning, exhausted after pushing hard through the night in cold, rainy weather, and with minimal sleep.
But Tuft says those challenges are also what draws him to the gruelling event.
“Yeah, just here in Fernie, questioning my choices in life,” he says wryly. “No, it was great. It was great. [It’s] always interesting, always lots to learn, so I love that part even though it can be horrible at the time.”
Second-place finisher, 24-year-old Brennan King from Vancouver, finished six hours behind Tuft. Another Nelson cyclist, 34-year-old Alec Janssens, who is coached by Tuft, placed third, 14 hours back. The first female finisher, 31-year-old Tennessee Del Greco, from Squamish, BC, completed the course in a time of three days, 11 hours and 54 minutes.
Tuft is a former professional road cyclist who had a long and celebrated career in the UCI World Tour. He won the men’s Canadian National Time Trial championship 11 times and competed in grand tours such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. He even wore the prestigious pink leader’s jersey, or maglia rosa, after the first stage of the Giro in 2014. Following his retirement from the world tour in 2019, Tuft settled at Hall Siding, south of Nelson, with his wife and young children. In addition to his focus on ultra-endurance gravel cycling, he also works as a coach and leads cycling training camps.
For the full results of the BC Epic 1000, or to track the cyclists who are still out on the course, visit the website.
Photo of Svein Tuft taking a rare break during the BC Epic 1000 by Paul Kelly.
