Planning has shifted into high gear for year two of the PoCo Grand Prix presented by Dominion Lending Centres on July 14, with calls going out for volunteers, sponsors and participants for the Kids’ Race and Corporate Challenge.
In four months, thousands of people will converge on downtown Port Coquitlam for a day of professional cycling, live entertainment and free family activities. As part of BC Superweek – Canada’s largest professional road cycling series – the PoCo Grand Prix will be one of six events taking place throughout Metro Vancouver from July 7 to 16.
“Year two of the PoCo Grand Prix will build on the success of our inaugural year, which brought over 5,000 people to our downtown and did a great job of showcasing our city,” Mayor Greg Moore said. “July 14 is just four months away – don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this world-class event taking place in the heart of Port Coquitlam.”
The 1.3-kilometre track, start/finish line and main activities will remain the same as in 2016, but some events will start later, and downtown road closures on July 14 will start at 10:00 am and not be fully in effect until 1pm, based on feedback from area businesses.
The draft schedule includes:
- Amateur cycling races from 1:30-3 p.m. and pro races and awards from 6:45-9:20 p.m.
- Opening ceremonies at 6:30 p.m.
- Starting at 3 p.m.:
- Live entertainment from 3:15-10:15 p.m. in Leigh Square sponsored by The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre.
- Norco Bicycles Kids’ Zone from 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- PoCo Grand Prix Expo tradeshow from 3-8:00 p.m.
- VIP Experience from 3-9:00 p.m. (sponsors, corporate challenge participants – by invitation only), sponsored by Samz Neighbourhood Pub (food and beverage) and Phoenix Truck and Crane (lounge).
- Beer garden in Leigh Square from 3-10 p.m.
- Corporate Challenge (business teams) races from 3:15-5 p.m.
- Norco Bicycles Kids’ Race from 5:15-5:45 p.m.
- BC Superweek Youth Race from 6-6:30 p.m.
- Women’s and Men’s professional races (6:45-9:20 p.m.)
“There was a tremendous energy in our downtown at last year’s PoCo Grand Prix – it was an incredible experience for everyone who was there,” Cllr. Laura Dupont, chair of the city’s Healthy Community Committee. “We hope to see even more residents joining in this year by volunteering, participating in the public races, and enjoying the sights, sounds and experiences.”
BC Superweek Race Director Mark Ernsting said many of last year’s 250 riders are returning for 2017 based on their positive experience last year. “The PoCo Grand Prix more than proved itself in its inaugural year. We’ve been seeing a lot of interest from both new and returning riders from around the world who want to be part of this event in 2017,” Ernsting said.
Complete event details can be found at www.pocograndprix.ca.
Volunteers
About 200 volunteer positions are available for people ages 16 and up in areas such as: athlete accommodation, racecourse fencing and signage, course marshaling, event set up and take down, Norco Bicycles Kids’ Race and Kids’ Zone, spectator engagement, VIP Experience, beer garden, fundraising, the PoCo Grand Prix Expo tradeshow and pace vehicles.
Volunteers must apply through the City of Port Coquitlam’s online registration process. Visit www.pocograndprix.ca/volunteer for information. Questions may be directed to volunteer@portcoquitlam.ca.
Hosts are also needed to provide one or more visiting cyclists a place to sleep or shower and secure bike storage from July 8 to 17. See Get Involved at www.pocograndprix.ca for information.
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels, including cash and in-kind contributions, participation in the PoCo Grand Prix Expo tradeshow, and other opportunities designed to enable businesses of all sizes to be involved.
Based on the sponsorship level, rewards may include advance promotions, on-site signage and banners, display space, PA announcements and premium viewing.
A major highlight for last year’s sponsors was admission to the exclusive track-side VIP Experience, which features complimentary food and beverages, prime viewing near the start/finish line, viewing screens and a social setting to network with other business and community leaders.
Sponsors confirmed to date include:
- Presenting: Dominion Lending Centre
- Gold: CAPS Westwood Cycle, Norco Bicycles (Kids’ Race and Zone), and Samz Neighourhood Pub (VIP food and beverage), Phoenix Truck and Crane (VIP lounge), The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre (Entertainment)
- Silver: De Dutch Pannekoek House, MolsonCoors Canada, Kettle Valley Winery, Arctic Meat and Sausage, Save-On-Foods 942 (volunteer sponsor), TELUS and Tri-City News (media sponsor)
Sponsorship questions may be directed to grandprix@portcoquitlam.ca or to Graham Danziger at 604.927.5218. A full list of sponsors and more information is available at pocograndprix.ca.
Corporate Challenge
Business teams of four are invited to sign up for recreational, competitive or women’s races along the same 1.3-kilometre course as the pros. The races start at 3:15 p.m., and all participants will receive a free cycling hat and socks and entry to the exclusive VIP Experience, featuring complimentary food, refreshments and prime viewing of the races.
Registration is $1,000 per team through www.pocograndprix.ca or by calling 604.927.7900.
Norco Bicycles Kids’ Race
Kids ages 5 to 12 can see what it’s like to be a professional cyclist in downtown Port Coquitlam by joining the free, non-competitive Norco Bicycles Kids’ Race, starting at 5:15 p.m. Participants will be divided into two age groups: with ages 5 to 8 racing one lap of the 1.3-kilometre track, and ages 9 to 12 racing two laps.
Register at www.experienceit.ca (5-8 years: bar code #22554, 9-12 years: #22555). Event details are posted at www.pocograndprix.ca.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email: purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca
Brian Wiebe
Media Relations Manager
BC Superweek
Tel 604.916.8448
Email: brian.wiebe@bcsuperweek.ca