Come down for a night of fun and excitement as cyclists from all around the world gather to compete in an action-packed race in the heart of Gastown. The Gastown Grand Prix (formerly known as Tour De Gastown) is one of the most prestigious cycling races in North America. This year’s race is expected to be the best one yet with more laps, more riders, and more heart-pumping action.
Gastown Grand Prix Becomes Richest Women’s Criterium
Expect to see one of the most competitive women’s fields! Head sponsor, Global Relay, is upping the ante for this year’s race, offering the largest ever purse prize for women’s criterium in North America. The women’s distance will also be increased from 30 to 35 laps (42 km) to reflect the growing calibre of the women’s field, which finished well ahead of schedule last year.
Race Day Details
Race Route
The start/finish line is at the corner of Cambie and Water Sreet, near the historic steam clock. Riders will race west from Cambie & Water into the hairpin turn at Water and Cordova. From there they’ll ride east on Cordova before turning left onto Carrall Street around the Gassy Jack statue and back onto Water street towards the steam clock.
Race Schedule
5:45 pm Opening Ceremonies
6:15 pm Women’s Start
7:30 pm Men’s Start
9:00 pm Award Presentation
PRO MEN: 50 laps, 60km
PRO WOMEN: 35 laps, 42km
Where to Watch
Virtually any position along the race route will be an excellent spot to watch riders compete lap after lap in this challenging circuit-style race. Standing room is on a first-come-first-served basis, so make sure to arrive early!
If you wish to catch all the adrenaline action of the race with a food or drink at hand, here’s a list of patios and hot spots around the race route.
131 Water Kitchen & Bar – 131 Water Street
Bambo Café – 301 W. Cordova Street
Brioche – 401 W. Cordova Street
Chill Winston – 3 Alexander Street
Cork & Fin – 221 Carrall Street
L’Abattoir – 217 Carrall Street
Old Spaghetti Factory – 53 Water Street
Peckinpah – 2 Water Street
Rainier Provisions – 2 W. Cordova Street
Secret Location – 1 Water Street
Six Acres – 203 Carrall Street
Smart Mouth Café – 131 Water Street
The Blarney Stone – 216 Carrall Street
The Cambie Pub – 300 Cambie Street
The Charles Bar – 136 W. Cordova Street
The Diamond – 6 Powell Street
The Flying Pig – 102 Water Street
Tuc Craft Kitchen – 60 W. Cordova Street
Vera’s Burgers – 213 Carrall Street
Water Street Café – 300 Water Street
Getting to Gastown
With limited public parking and street closures, public transit is the best way to get to and from the race. There will be many spectators catching all the live excitement – we recommend you come down before 5:30 pm to ensure you get the most action-packed view.
Coming down on your bike? Tuc Craft Kitchen in partnership with Vancouver Bicycle Valet is providing a bicycle valet for all race spectators and visitors to Gastown on July 9th from 5pm to 10pm. The bike Valet is gated and secure with attendees watching the bikes the entire time.
The Gastown Grand Prix is a free event! No tickets are required — just come out and enjoy the race on Wednesday July 9th. For more information, visit www.globalrelayggp.org.
Related posts:
Gastown Grand Prix Becomes Richest Women’s Criterium in North America
Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix joins 2014 USA Crits Championship Series
