Vancouver's Tour de Gastown attracts some of the best cyclists from North America and around the world. It's a multi-lap race held along scenic cobblestone streets lined with tourist attractions and packed with spectators.
The prestigious Tour de Gastown is definitely for those who want to cycle Canada. It's part of British Columbia's Super Cycling Week and is held in conjunction with the Tour de White Rock and the Tour de Delta.
As one of the classic, if not most famous, races in Canada, the Tour de Gastown began grandly. Roger Sumner, a well-known cyclist, dentist and Canadian representative in the 1974 world cycling championships, initiated the first race in 1973. For 21 years, it remained a darling of the cycling circuit and was known as the Gastown Grand Prix. Unfortunately, in 1993, sponsor decline warranted its temporary, nine-year demise.
In 2002, the downtown historical district rallied, backed by the Gastown Business Improvement Association (BIA). Its representatives recruited the local Steamworks Brewing Company, along with community organizations and other commercial sponsors, including The Vancouver Agreement, an urban development initiative. The city of Vancouver and the Ministry of Community Aboriginal Women's Services have also shown significant support to the race.
The Wedgewood Cycling Team currently organizes the Tour de Gastown under the sponsorship of the Gastown BIA and other community supporters. The race occurs on approximately the same date each year, the third weekend in July.
The Tour de Gastown is a dramatic race with high speeds and hairpin turns. The course leads cyclists along a congested loop that is approximately .75 miles long. It's a short race at approximately 22.4 miles in the women's category and 37.3 miles in the men's competition.
Billed as one of the fastest cycling races, many spectators report seeing a blur of cyclists speeding through the laps and then it's over. This style of closed-loop race is very exciting, as it causes cyclists to race close together and can lead to wild crashes and spectacular upsets. Aggression and breakouts are common, and the Tour de Gastown is not for the faint of heart.
Women must complete 30 laps to finish; the men's race extends to 50 laps. Total entries average about 200 with more than 130 male competitors and nearly 60 female cyclists. Cash prizes vary with an approximate $15,000 (Canadian) purse divided among the winners.
Awards, based on the number of cyclists, generally go 10 deep for women and 20 deep for men. The top Canadian male and female placers also received $500 (Canadian) in addition to the standard prizes. Winners receive awards immediately following the race and those not present are fined.
Many great names in cycling throng to the Tour de Gastown. Past participants include:
Top teams are among the ranks of competitors as well as leading individuals and locals who fall into the amateur categories.
As with any competitive race, dedicated cyclists train intensely for a large portion of the year, often riding many miles each day. No blood testing is required for this race, but riders must adhere to rules-of-the-road etiquette. Improper behavior may warrant disqualification.
A full race package outlines the details. Helmets that meet CCA requirements are a requirement and proper attire is encouraged. Bicycles and gear must be UCI/CCA compliant. Cyclists should also possess an approved license. Race sponsors host a neutral pit area for wheel repairs. Entrants are responsible for providing tires.
Entrants can pick up race packages the week before the race at the Tour de White Rock and in the late afternoon on Tour de Gastown race day. Riders can then go to the staging tent for sign-in.
Approximately 35,000 spectators gather to witness this exciting race every year. The narrow streets are crowded with enthusiastic visitors and residents alike. In the past few years, with an evening race time, a mad rush to restaurants and bars ensues near the end of the race.
Vancouver is an exciting city full of great nightlife and shopping. Gastown lies near the heart of the city. In 1971, Gastown was given its historical designation.
The Tour de Gastown sponsors provide a host of activities prior to the race, including special events for the entire family. Stunt cyclists and obstacle courses create added excitement along with a mini safety rodeo in which kids can participate.