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The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is more than just a ride—it's a celebration of cycling in the spirit of Kris. While timing services are provided using number plates and timing chips to track and identify riders for safety, this event is not a race.

It’s an opportunity for cyclists of all levels to come together in an inclusive atmosphere that values sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the joy of riding. Whether you enjoy pushing your limits with friendly competition or prefer a more leisurely pace to soak in the scenery, the choice is yours. Ride at your own pace, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy the journey—all while honouring Kris’s legacy of making cycling welcoming and fun for everyone.

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is proudly organized by the Kris Yip Memorial Foundation, dedicated to honouring Kris’s - kindness, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. Our mission is twofold: to promote the joy of cycling and to raise awareness about the importance of heart health, particularly among athletes.

Our Mission

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is dedicated to:

  • Celebrating the life, values, and passion of Kris Yip by hosting an annual cycling event that brings people together in the spirit of kindness, inclusion, and sportsmanship.
  • Promoting heart health and raising awareness of coronary artery disease, particularly in athletes and physically fit individuals, to encourage broader cardiac screening and detection efforts.
  • Building a supportive and diverse community of cyclists, fostering participation from all levels, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of experience, feels welcome.
  • Raise funds to support heart health research and initiatives that focus on awareness and early detection of coronary artery disease in active populations.

Our Vision

To inspire a community where cycling and kindness unite, creating a legacy that celebrates inclusion, sportsmanship, and heart health for all. The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo seeks to be a platform for raising awareness of coronary artery disease while honouring the life and passion of Kris Yip through a shared love of cycling.

Our Values

  1. Inclusion
    We welcome cyclists of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds to join in the spirit of participation and togetherness. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is a place for everyone.
  2. Kindness
    Kris embodied kindness in everything he did, and we are committed to fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere, where participants and volunteers feel valued and appreciated.
  3. Sportsmanship
    Upholding the highest standards of fairness, respect, and camaraderie, we promote a positive competitive spirit that enhances the experience for all participants.
  4. Health Advocacy
    We are committed to raising awareness of heart health, particularly the risks of coronary artery disease in athletes. By sharing knowledge and resources, we aim to save lives through education, detection, and advocacy.
  5. Community
    Building lasting connections and fostering a sense of belonging within the cycling community is central to the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo. Together, we celebrate Kris's legacy and work towards a healthier, more inclusive future.
  6. Fun
    Above all, we aim to create a joyful experience for all participants. The event is as much about celebrating life, joy, and the thrill of cycling as it is about raising awareness and funds for a crucial cause.

June 21, 1975 - January 18, 2023

Kris was born, raised, and proudly called Prince George, BC, home. He was deeply embedded in the community through his passion for cycling, skiing, skating, and financial management business.

Kris’s passion for sports was spawned at a very young age where he excelled at everything he tried, including skating, skiing, climbing and beyond. Eventually, cycling became Kris’s focus and his path was set for greatness. While Kris’s cycling accomplishments are many, he had most recently qualified to represent Canada at the UCI Esports World Championships where he aided a teammate to a top-ten finish.


Kris’s Highlights

1993
Kris was Junior National Criterium Champion, in Brandon, Manitoba and rode for the Russian team, Moldavie, at the Tour d'Abitibi in Quebec.

2017
Okanagan GranFondo - 160km
9th overall, 3rd in his age category. 

2019
Whistler GranFondo St. Regis Cup - 122km | 03:15:59
12th overall, 1st in his age category.
Qualified for GranFondo World Series.

2022
Okanagan GranFondo - 153km | 03:49:27
9th overall, 4th in his age category.

Whistler GranFondo - 122km | 03:38:19
3rd overall, 1st in his age category.
2nd place KOM.

Always the sportsman and gentleman, Kris never spoke of his accomplishments, only those of others and will be remembered by those who knew him: Kind. Loving. Gentle. Humble. Dedicated. Patient. Supportive. Welcoming. With the most genuine infectious smile.

Tragically, Kris’s untimely passing on January 18, 2023, was sudden and unexpected, a result of advanced coronary artery disease. Despite being an elite athlete, he faced an invisible enemy with no warning signs.

The Kris Yip Memorial Foundation and the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo aim to ensure Kris’s legacy shines on, raising awareness about heart disease and reminding everyone that it can affect anyone, regardless of their fitness level.

We ride to honour Kris’s life and to remind ourselves that in cycling, as in life, the real victory lies in lifting each other up. So, saddle up, take in the breathtaking views, and most importantly, ride with heart.


Quotes About Kris

 

Neil Hodgson said that Kris will never be forgotten “Kris was just such a great guy to be around and ride with, always game for a ride, always so polite and calm,” he said. “So humble about his achievements, maybe to a fault!”

 

 

Matt Brown said that Kris was such an easy welcoming person. “Quick to befriend and so encouraging. His passion resonated throughout the community and with his cycling friends. He would always encourage you to participate,” Brown said. “No matter your fitness level at the time. With a ‘come on, it will be fun.’”

 

 

“He had a spot on the international stage but was very down to earth and very grounded, he understood the importance of motivation and encouragement,” said Ron Gallo. “It didn’t matter what your skill level was, he would ride with you and he would be that mentor to you.”

 


The Fondo’s importance is a good example of Yip’s legacy, Matt Thomson said. “A dedicated fondo is a way to allow not just racers to ride in memory and celebration of Kris, it opens up the ride to anyone that can ride a bike. Kris made a huge impression on many people within and outside of the cycling community,” he added. “His celebration of life, held during near blizzard conditions, was a standing room affair filled with tears and beautiful memories.”



Nikki Kassel explained that Yip was a guiding force in Prince George’s (and the northern half of the province) cycling community. “He was always present, always kind, always dominant. His absence in our cycling world here in northern BC is enormous,” she said.



“Kris was the epitome of what a great cyclist and friend should be,” said Nathan Blok. With so many great accomplishments, and yet, you would never know it… he was egoless”



"Kris will be remembered, 100% gentleman, kind, caring with a smile that could change anyone's day,” said Dave Lee. “Boss on a bike, win it all, and still make everyone else feel like a hero. A sponsored rider for 20 years not because he won races but because he won hearts.



"I'll never forget my first group ride with Kris,” said Meighan Shaw. “His energy, enthusiasm, and kindness were rivalled only by his speed, style, and complete and total lack of ego. He probably didn't know how much he influenced and inspired me; that ride changed the way I looked at road cycling forever and I'll carry it with me always."