December 1, 2021, Victoria BC – Further to last week’s announcement to reschedule the Canadian Cyclocross Championships to January 7-9, 2022, the Wheelhouse Cycling Society in partnership with Cycling Canada, Cycling BC, Ecoasis Developments LLP, and the City of Langford, is proud to announce a fundraising campaign for the Canadian Red Cross – British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal.
The campaign name, “Cyclocross For Red Cross” will invite the National Cycling Community and the public at large to make direct personal or corporate donations to the Canadian Red Cross as they carry out immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and risk reduction activities in the affected regions.
“After taking stock of the situation, we all felt it necessary to use our rescheduled National Cycling event as an effective fundraising platform.” Said Race Director Jon Watkin. “Many BC residents including members of our cycling community have been severely affected by the recent floods and need our support to rebuild and bounce back.”
Many areas in BC including the City of Langford and the event venue at Bear Mountain sustained damage caused by the heavy wind and rain. For some areas in the province, it will take years to rebuild what was lost.
“During the recent extreme weather conditions, the Canadian Red Cross provided immeasurable assistance to our communities with emergency lodging, food, clothing and personal care assistance for those in need.” Said Ecoasis President/CEO, Dan Matthews. “Please join with Cyclocross and us in supporting this wonderful organization that does so much for our communities during these unprecedented times.
“This is a great opportunity for Langford residents to support others during a very challenging time for so many across the Province. I encourage everyone to do what they can to make a difference, and support the work of the Canadian Red Cross.” Said Mayor Stew Young, City of Langford
From a Sporting perspective, the impact that these weather events will have on cycling in BC is too early to tell, but it does not diminish the effort to leverage the sport towards a good cause.
“Using the Cyclocross National Championships as an opportunity to help the devastated areas and people of British Columbia will give everyone a chance to be part of the event in some way,” said Erin Waugh, CEO of Cycling BC. “There’s a wide array of categories including youth, juniors, masters, elite, relay, non-championship, and now through the Red Cross you can take part even if you’re not racing.”
“We continue to stand united with all those affected by the recent events that led to the state of emergency in the Province of British Columbia.” Said Josh Peacock, Director of Marketing/Community Engagement for Cycling Canada. “In this light, we are proud to support the Canadian Red Cross through this new fundraising effort and hope that this event will help bolster support for their efforts during this trying time.”
A dedicated online portal has been created to provide the means for donations to be made: https://www.redcross.ca/bcfloods/cyclocrossforredcross.
A revised event itinerary has been announced that invites recreational cyclists to take part in a new team relay on the evening of Friday, January 7th. This will be followed by Single Speed Cyclocross racing in the Lezyne Blackout CX.
On Saturday, January 8th will be the Lazer Canadian Cyclocross Championships as participants from across Canada compete for the coveted Canadian National Champion jersey.
The Trek Bear Crossing Grand Prix will feature on Sunday, January 9th and serve as the BC Cyclocross Championships, but will allow for non-BC Rider Participation and also offer National Ranking points to Masters Racers.
Revised Event Schedule:
Friday – January 7, 2022
Cyclocross For Red Cross Team Relay
BSC Blackout CX Night Race
Saturday – January 8, 2022
Lazer Canadian Cyclocross Championships
Cycling BC iRide for Kids
Sunday – January 9, 2022
Trek Bear Crossing Grand Prix – BC Cyclocross Championships
Cycling BC iRide for Kids
For the latest information on the event including race schedule and registration, visit www.bearcrossgrandprix.com