BC Superweek is pleased to announce that online registration is officially open for this year’s series, which includes the Tour de Delta, UBC Grand Prix p/b Mahony & Sons, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development and Tour de White Rock. Men’s races are for Pro 1/2 riders and women’s races are open to Pro 1/2/3 categories.
“With the growth of BC Superweek as one of North America’s most recognized professional road race series, the interest from teams and riders to register as soon as possible has also grown,” said Race Director Mark Ernsting. “As a result, we decided to open registration earlier this year than in the past.”
BC Superweek features six criteriums and two road races, one of which is UCI-sanctioned for both men and women. More than $70,000 in cash and thousands more in crowd primes is on the line in the six criteriums, with crowds of more than 20,000 expected for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix’s 42nd anniversary on July 15th.
“BC Superweek is one of the most highly respected and top tier women’s events in North America,” said four-time Canadian national criterium champion Leah Kirchmann of the Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies team. “I appreciate the effort from race organizers to offer equal race opportunities and prize money for the women, setting an example for other races around the world to follow. I always enjoy the opportunity to race in beautiful British Columbia and can’t wait to return to this year’s event!”
Team TIBCO – To The Top rider Anika Todd, who started racing in 2013 but already has two career podium finishes at the Canadian National Championships, echoes Kirchmann’s sentiment about the BC Superweek series.
“BC Superweek has always been one of my favorite events, especially the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix,” Todd explained. “The racing is incredible! Challenging courses, top notch competition and big crowds make BC Superweek a really special experience.”
Online registration is available on the BC Superweek website, with early registration discounts in effect until June 5th. Discounts are also available to riders entered in all stages, and pro teams that sign up six riders for the entire BC Superweek series can register an additional three riders at no cost.
Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies rider Ryan Anderson, who’s had six podium appearances at BC Superweek in the last two years, explains that BC Superweek is always on his race calendar – and not just because the series takes place near his home in North Vancouver.
“I always look forward to BC Superweek and the past few years have been extra special for me since Global Relay revived the Gastown Grand Prix,” said Anderson. “I helped start the Global Relay Bridge The Gap Fund, which is set up with the goal of helping the development of Canadian cyclists. It’s something I’m very proud of and would really like to win Gastown this year!”
BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional road cycling series and features more than $120,000 in prize money available during eight races over nine days. BC Superweek runs from July 10 – 18, and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 10, 11, 12), UBC Grand Prix p/b Mahony & Sons (July 14), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 15), Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development (July 16) and the Tour de White Rock (July 17, 18). For more information, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.
