Nail-Biting Excitement
This one-day event is packed with exhilarating action from start to finish. The Gastown Grand Prix is one of the most challenging cycling races in North American with a circuit-style course, sharp hairpin turn and cobblestone streets. Watch Olympic-calibre cyclists fly by the sideboards reaching speeds of up to 70km/hour. It’s heart-pumping action happening just inches away!
Prestigious Racing Action
The Gastown Grand Prix is part of Canada’s biggest cycling series, BC Superweek. Top tier cyclists from around the globe gather to compete in this prestigious race set in the heart of a dynamic neighbourhood. Gastown fits the bill as the perfect place to have a criterium style race, featuring cobblestoned streets lined with cafes and restaurants. The Gastown Grand Prix is also a twilight race taking place in the evening – a perfect setting for cycling drama!
First-Ever Youth Race
This year, the Gastown Grand Prix is hosting its first-ever youth race, which will kick off race day events. Fifty girls and boys will get the chance to warm up the Gastown circuit for the pros to follow and spectators will have an opportunity to see up and coming talent in the sport.
Cheer on Local Athletes
As part of BC Superweek, the Gastown Grand Prix will have an impressive field of riders on course. Among them, Alison Jackson of Abbotsford is sure to impress. Riding for the California-based pro team, Twenty16, she is coming off a win in the women’s criterium at last week’s Canadian road-race national championships in Saint-Georges, Que. You’ll also want to keep your eyes on the Trek Red Truck team. It’s women’s roster includes Denise Ramsden (Vancouver) and her co-captain Leah Guloien (Port Moody). On the men’s side, both former Canadian cyclocross champion Craig Richey (Smithers) and under-23 national cyclocross champion Michael van den Ham (Edmonton) will lead.
Make it a Dining Night Out
Come watch all the action with a food or drink in hand. Restaurants along the racecourse offer a specular patio-side view of the race. Or, you can catch the racing action on livestream TV at select pubs. Select Gastown restaurants will be offering ‘race day’ specials to celebrate the Gastown Grand Prix. Check back on race day for a full list.
Great People Watching
This is an elite sporting event that is completely accessible to the public, uniting over 20,000 locals in the heart of Gastown. There’s time between races to walk around, pop into a couple shops and maybe even make some new friends.
Photographic Moments
Catch the adrenaline and fast cycling from behind your lens! The Gastown Grand Prix is a great backdrop for practicing your photography skills and capturing exciting and memorable moments. Test your skills and see if you can get a clear shot of riders as they race by the sideboards!
The Community
There’s a reason why this race is Canada’s oldest one-day cycling classic. Every year, the Gastown Grand Prix brings together a community of supportive Gastowners and passionate spectators. Expect to hear plenty of cowbell ringing, loud cheering and epic roaring from the sideboards! You’ll also catch a glimpse of the local businesses that make this event happen. Hosted by Global Relay and presented by Allstream, a number of other businesses band together, including The Blarney Stone as the home base for all the volunteers, and Heathers the Flowershop who put together every gorgeous boquet!
It’s Free!
Bring your friends and family – it’s free to spectate! Come down and catch all the adrenaline and heart-pumping cycling action next Wednesday July 15th in the heart of Gastown. Check here for more race day details!
Related posts:
Global Relay Readies for the 2015 Gastown Grand Prix
Gastown Grand Prix Becomes Richest Women’s Criterium in North America
Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix joins 2014 USA Crits Championship Series
