Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix

The Gastown Grand Prix (GGP) is a prestigious Canadian Pro 1/2 criterium race with a long and rich history. Many great names in North American cycling have raced in this important event over the years, spurring the Gastown Grand Prix on to becoming one of the most popular one-day bike races in North America. Cycling greats like Ron Hayman, Alex Steida and Alison Sydor have thrilled GGP audiences over the years with their displays of racing brilliance.

The first GGP was held in 1973. The racing around the tight course proved to be electrifying from the beginning. The race ended in dramatic fashion with Bill Wild, one of the finest sprinters of the time, trading punches with transported Kiwi and three time Canadian National Road Champion Max Grace while battling it out in the final sprint. Wild won the race and took home first prize, which was a colour TV.

The GGP took a nine year hiatus in 1994 after not being able to secure sponsorship. In 2009, the race again took another hiatus as it was without sponsorship until 2012, when Global Relay, a Gastown-based technology firm, made a multi-year commitment to bring the race back to Vancouver once again for the 2012 cycling season and beyond.

Today, the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix is  a member of the USA CRITS Championship Series and boasts the highest one day prize purse for both the winning prize and total prize purse for a Canadian Criterium. With over 20,000 spectators in attendance it’s guaranteed to be an electrifying experience.