Port Coquitlam, BC – June 8, 2016… Kids ages 5 to 12 can see what it’s like to be a professional cyclist in downtown Port Coquitlam July 15 during the PoCo Grand Prix, presented by Dominion Lending Centres.
Spots are available for the Kids’ Race, a free, fun and non-competitive event taking place on the same 1.3-kilometre loop track being used by dozens of professional riders that day.
Over the years, the Kids’ Race has grown to become a highlight of BC Superweek, Canada’s largest professional road cycling series. Fans line the route to cheer on the young riders, each of whom receives a medal for participating.
Sponsored by Norco Bikes, the Kids’ Race will take place from 4:15-4:25 p.m. and will be divided into two heats, with ages 5 to 9 racing one lap and ages 10 to 12 racing two laps.
Registration is free at www.experienceit.ca (code #15284). Advance registration is recommended, although riders may register on race day if the event is not full. Participants must provide their own bikes and helmets. More information is posted at www.pocograndprix.ca.
The Kids’ Race will be part of an afternoon of sport, live entertainment, family activities and more July 15 in downtown Port Coquitlam, where thousands of spectators and riding enthusiasts are expected to gather.
Professional races are currently scheduled to begin at 12:20 p.m., followed by the Corporate Challenge for business teams at 2:15 p.m., the Kids’ Race at 4:15 p.m. and a Youth Race at 4:45 p.m. Feature pro races will start at 6 p.m., and awards will be handed out on the stage at 8:40 p.m. The schedule may change, so event-goers are encouraged to visit www.pocograndprix.ca closer to July 15.
Family friendly activities are also planned throughout the day. The free Kids’ Zone will run from 1-5:30 p.m. on McAllister Street and feature children’s entertainer Will Stroet of Will’s Jams, interactive stations, a photo booth, bike decorating and bike trials.
The fun continues with live entertainment throughout the day sponsored by Phoenix Truck and Crane Service, including an after party from 7:30 to 10:00 pm with live music by Groove & Tonic.
The event also includes a beer garden, a PoCo Grand Prix Expo tradeshow, and a VIP Experience tent for sponsors featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, viewing screens and more.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteer positions are still available for people age 16 and up who want to be part of the action at the PoCo Grand Prix July 15. Approximately 150 volunteers are needed to help stage the event. Opportunities are available for people ages 16 and up in areas such as: athlete accommodation, racecourse fencing and signage, marshaling, event set up and take down, spectator engagement, VIP tent and beer garden, fundraising, first aid, the PoCo Grand Prix Expo (trade show), and pace vehicles. Register at www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer
Corporate Teams Can Race Like the Pros
Space is also still available for the PoCo Grand Prix Corporate Challenge. Participating corporate teams of four can compete in recreational or competitive races along the same 1.3-kilometre course as the pros. The Corporate Challenge will take place from 2-4:30 p.m., with businesses entering teams of four riders in either the recreational, competitive or women’s divisions.
All participants will receive a free cycling hat and socks, and be hosted in the exclusive Mahony & Sons VIP area featuring food, refreshments and prime viewing of the professional race. Registration is $1,000 per team plus tax, through www.experienceit.ca (registration number 15532).
More information about the event and opportunities to be involved can be found at www.pocograndprix.ca.
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PHOTOS:
High-resolution photos can be requested at info@pocograndprix.ca.
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