Mark Your Calendar – PoCo Grand Prix is Back on July 13

Posted by cityofpoco on

Port Coquitlam, BC – February 20, 2018 …Mark your calendar for Friday, July 13, when downtown Port Coquitlam will once again play host to world-class cyclists racing at up to 63 kilometres per hour and a free, family-friendly street festival.

In the past two years, the PoCo Grand Prix sponsored by Dominion Lending Centres has grown to become Port Coquitlam’s largest city-hosted event, attracting 7,500 people in 2017 and 5,000 in 2016. The event is part of BC Superweek, which takes place July 6 to 15 in five Metro Vancouver cities and is Canada’s largest professional road cycling series.

“There are so many reasons to love this event,” Mayor Greg Moore said. “It brings a free, fun-filled festival to our downtown, promotes sport and active lifestyles, and showcases Port Coquitlam’s amazing volunteers, businesses and community as a whole.”

Once again, the PoCo Grand Prix will transform downtown Port Coquitlam with a 1.3-km race circuit and a street festival including live entertainment, free children’s activities, a Kids’ Race, Corporate Challenge race, a business tradeshow, beverage garden, VIP experience and more. The event will run from approximately 2:00 pm to 10:15 pm.

With a later start time, downtown road closures will start at 10am and not be fully in effect until 1:45pm, based on feedback from area businesses.

Last year’s event attracted 236 pro and elite male and female cyclists from across the globe who were eager to take on the challenging criterium-style track winding through the downtown. Also using the track were 45 participants in BC Superweek’s Youth Race, 330 participants in the free Kids’ Race, and 18 teams of four in the Corporate Challenge race. About 250 volunteers helped out with all aspects of the event.

Opportunities to get involved
Each year’s PoCo Grand Prix offers a variety of opportunities for involvement, from volunteering and sponsorship to participating in races (Kids’, Youth or Corporate) and attending the event.

“It’s been great to see the community embrace this event, right from year one,” said Cllr. Glenn Pollock, who chairs the city’s Healthy Community Committee. “If you haven’t participated yet, make 2018 the year you find out what all the excitement is about.”

At least 200 volunteers will be needed for all aspects of the event, including advance preparations, set-up, assistance throughout the day and takedown. Information is posted at www.pocograndprix.ca/volunteer.

For those who want the thrill of cycling on a pro cycling track, registration will open at www.pocograndprix.ca for the following:

  • Norco Bicycles Kids’ Race (fun, ages 3-12) – registration starts June 1.
  • Youth Race (competitive, ages 13-16) – register at bcsuperweek.com.
  • Corporate Challenge (recreational or competitive) – registration open.

The event also includes live music and entertainment in Leigh Square, sponsored by The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre. The line-up of performers will be posted on the website closer to the event.

Businesses of any size can also get involved, with sponsorship opportunities ranging from display space in the PoCo Grand Prix to exclusive naming rights. Rewards include marketing before, during and after the event, and access to the exclusive VIP experience featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating and more.

Questions may be directed to info@grandprix.ca or to 604-927-5218, and sponsorship information is posted at www.pocograndprix.ca/sponsors.

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PHOTOS:

Photos of the 2017 PoCo Grand Prix may be downloaded through www.pocograndprix.ca/photos.