Aidan Oliphant wins Fernie Gravel Grind and finishes 23rd at Gastown Grand Prix—defying odds while managing Crohn’s disease and inspiring others.
A Tale of Two Races and One Resilient Rider
Vernon-based professional cyclist Aidan Oliphant made headlines in British Columbia this July by securing first place in the 90-kilometre Fernie Gravel Grind on July 5, then placing a strong 23rd at the Gastown Grand Prix just four days later in Vancouver. His success across such contrasting events is a testament to his grit, training, and unrelenting love for the sport—even while living with Crohn’s disease.
Victory in the Mountains of Fernie
Oliphant claimed victory at the Fernie Gravel Grind’s Men’s Open Long Haul, a demanding 90-kilometre mountain bike race featuring over 1,600 metres of elevation gain. Clocking in at 3 hours, 25 minutes, and 31 seconds, he beat his closest rival by over four minutes. His breakthrough came during a major climb at the 35-km mark, where he pulled away with ease.
“I definitely prefer mountains,” said Oliphant. “I really excelled in Fernie.”
From Gravel to Gastown
Only four days after his mountain conquest, Oliphant swapped bikes and terrain to compete in the Gastown Grand Prix, one of Canada’s premier urban road races. Held on a short, high-speed loop in downtown Vancouver, the criterium demanded 42 laps of intense racing. Oliphant completed the 49-km course in 1 hour and 20 minutes, just four seconds behind the winner, placing 23rd out of 61 elite cyclists.
“It’s not my specialty,” he admitted, “but for an event as historic and epic as Gastown, it wasn’t hard to get excited.”
Defying Crohn’s with Every Pedal Stroke
Oliphant’s achievements carry added weight: he has been living with Crohn’s disease since his teens. Diagnosed after a drop in energy post-triathlon at the B.C. Summer Games, he spent years managing the condition before medical advancements allowed him to return to endurance sports.
“I really ride to push my limits,” he said. “I know so many people with Crohn’s who can’t be active, and I hope I can inspire others to see what’s possible.”
Coaching, Community, and Career Aspirations
Oliphant began road cycling seriously in 2019 after discovering the training app Strava, which led to a coaching connection with Jordan Cheyne and a spot on the TaG Cycling Race Team. Since then, he’s competed internationally and continues to train up to 20 hours a week. He’s also preparing to relocate to Victoria to pursue a master’s degree in physiotherapy, while still racing gravel events.
Cycling Roots in the Okanagan
Raised in an active family in Vernon’s BX area, Oliphant credits his hometown’s cycling culture and terrain for shaping his athletic journey. He regularly trains on Silver Star Road, the Grey Canal network, and the Okanagan Rail Trail—supported by local businesses like Sun Country Cycle and Olympia Cycle and Ski.
“Vernon is a phenomenal place for all types of cycling,” he said. “Even when racing gets hard, the variety here keeps my love for the sport alive.”
Inspiration in Motion
For Oliphant, cycling is not just competition—it’s empowerment through adversity. Whether climbing B.C.’s rugged mountain trails or sprinting through downtown circuits, he rides to show what’s possible—on two wheels, and in life.
Source: SurreySpeak.ca – No One Else Covers Surrey Like We Do
