Kids can try out a Pro Cycling Track on July 15

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

BC Superweek Opens 2016 Registration

Vancouver, BC – BC Superweek is pleased to announce that online registration is officially open for this year’s series, which includes the Tour de Delta, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development, PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres, and Tour de White Rock p/b Steve Nash Fitness World. Men’s races are for Pro 1/2 riders and women’s races are open to Pro 1/2/3 categories.

“BC Superweek continues to grow as one of North America’s most recognized professional road race series’ and we are already receiving a lot of interest from teams and riders from around the world,” said Race Director Mark Ernsting. “We expect to have as strong of a field as we’ve ever had.”

BC Superweek features six criteriums and two road races, one of which is UCI-sanctioned for both men and women. More than $125,000 in prize money and crowd primes is on the line for the week, while crowds of more than 20,000 are expected for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix’s 43rd anniversary on July 13th.

“BC Superweek ‎is the most fun series of racing in the world. It’s fast, thrilling, and just an overall fantastic experience,” said two-time US national criterium champion Shelley Olds of Cylance Pro Cycling. “Whether you are new to racing or a professional cyclist, you will enjoy the atmosphere that the local communities in BC create. I have met some amazing people from my time spent racing BC Superweek and kept in touch with them over the years. It’s the best and most exciting racing you can do in ten days!”

Olds put in a dominant performance at BC Superweek in 2015, appearing on the podium eight times, including four first place finishes.

“BC Superweek is a highlight of the season for many Canadians and riders from around North America. There are high caliber races suited to every type of rider, and it is a very well run and organized series,” added Vancouver’s Garrett McLeod of the H&R Block Pro Cycling Team. “I look forward to racing at BC Superweek every year, and it’s great seeing the events grow and become recognized as North America’s premier professional series of races.”

McLeod is a BC Superweek veteran who had three podium finishes last year, including a win at Tour de White Rock Peace Arch News Road Race.
Online registration is available on the BC Superweek website, with early registration discounts in effect until June 10th.

BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional cycling series and features more than $125,000 in prize money available during eight races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 8 – 17, and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 8, 9, 10), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 13), Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development (July 14), PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres (July 15), and Tour de White Rock p/b Steve Nash Fitness World (July 16, 17). For more information, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.

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Brian Wiebe
Media Relations
BC Superweek
brian.wiebe@bcsuperweek.ca
604-916-8448

2016 BC Superweek Youth Series

Large crowds and iconic courses welcome young racers for the 2nd year at BC Superweek Youth Series

Vancouver, BC (April 14, 2016) – BC road cycling fans will get an exciting look at Canada’s next generation of cycling stars when boys and girls aged 12-16 go head-to-head at the opening race of each BC Superweek criterium this year.

The BC Superweek Youth Series is a partnership between BC Superweek and Global Relay’s Bridge the Gap Fund, which coordinates the series. In addition to racing at the Tour de Delta Brenco Criterium, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development and the Choices Markets Criterium at Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock, boys (12-15) and girls (12-16) will also contest a special Escape Velocity Tuesday Night Criterium, along with BC Superweek’s newest event, the PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres.

In addition to giving up-and-coming racers a chance to compete in six races over eight days, the BC Superweek Youth Series will also give them a chance to test their bike handling skills at speed over the same iconic courses their heroes will race on later each evening in front of thousands of cheering race fans.  Plans are also underway to continue the tradition of a morning ride, where youth racers can ride with the pros competing in BC Superweek.

The format for the youth races remains the same in order make the racing as accessible as possible for youth racers and their families. Entry fees for the 20-minute races have been waived and the local youth cycling club EV/DEVO is offering to host out of town families. Registration for each youth race is limited to 50 riders.

Andrew Pinfold, Managing Director of the Bridge the Gap fund is excited for the 2nd Annual BC Superweek Youth Series stating, “Last year I had goosebumps every night watching the kids race their hearts out! I’m over the moon that we have been able to work again with the various BC Superweek organizers to put in place events that provide such a great showcase for the future of our sport. I can’t wait to see the kids on the start line at again at Delta, Gastown, Burnaby and White Rock and the inaugural PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres. This initiative aligns with the Global Relay Bridge the Gap mission to work upstream to foster high quality, sustainable development of cycling in Canada.”

“BC Superweek is pleased to continue to host the youth series,” says Race Director, Mark Ernsting. “It’s the perfect platform to get young riders excited about the sport, so they will embrace cycling as a lifelong activity. We are proud to support the development of these aspiring athletes, and we look forward to one day seeing them on the professional podium of our BC Superweek races.”

Events in BC Youth Superweek

July 9 – Tour de Delta Brenco Criterium

July 12 – Escape Velocity Tuesday Nighter Criterium (longer event: 30-40min)

July 13 – Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix Criterium

July 14 – Giro di Burnaby Criterium p/b Appia Development

July 15 – PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres

July 16 – Choices Markets Criterium at Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock

Race distances: Riders will race for approximately 20 minutes (15 minutes plus 2 laps). Boys and girls will race together, but will be scored separately.

Registration: Races are open to all riders, however, given the anticipated level of competition and speed of the events, it is recommended that participants have some racing experience. Field size will be limited to 50 riders total (boys and girls). Please click here to register.

Equipment: While not compulsory, a road bike is highly recommended. Bikes must to be in good working order. Any rider with a bike that is deemed by race officials to be unsafe (for example non-functional brakes), will not be allowed to participate. No aero bars, 16 spoke wheel minimum, 40mm max rim depth (no carbon wheels), roll out (7.93 meters, 52×14).

Cost: The entry is free for all races in the series.

Race Tech Guide: Details to be announced shortly.

To find out more about getting involved bike racing and for information on youth cycling programs in your area, please visit the Cycling BC Youth resource page.

About Bridge the Gap:

The Bridge the Gap fund was a created by Vancouver tech leader Global Relay in November 2012 with the support of current Canadian cycling professionals Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEDGE), Will Routley (Rally Pro Cycling), Ryan Anderson (Direct Energie), and former pros Erinne Willock and Andrew Pinfold, who serve as the BTG’s board. The program addresses the gap in the development of up and coming Canadian cyclists (19 to 25), by providing access to the coaching, resources and equipment they need to reach their full potential. In addition, the board’s members play a key role in networking with US managers and coaches to secure spots on professional teams. For more information, visit www.grbridgethegap.com.

About BC Superweek:

BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional cycling series and features more than $125,000 in prize money available during eight races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 8 – 17, and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 8, 9, 10), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 13), Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development (July 14), PoCo Grand Prix (July 15), and Steve Nash Fitness World Presents the Tour de White Rock (July 16, 17). For more information, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.

About Global Relay:

Global Relay is the leading provider of cloud-based electronic message archiving, supervision, and eDiscovery solutions for the global financial sector and other highly regulated industries. Global Relay is headquartered in Gastown, with offices in New York, Chicago, Raleigh, Halifax, London and Singapore. In 2012, Global Relay invested $1 million to bring back and operate the Gastown Grand Prix, Canada’s most prestigious criterium, which attracts some of North America’s top cyclists and crowds of 20,000 to the streets of historic Gastown in Vancouver each July, as part of BC Superweek. Also, in June 2014, Global Relay joined forces with Cycling Canada to grow cycling in Canada and help Canada become one of the world’s top cycling nations by 2020. The four-year $500,000 partnership is focused on sponsorship of the Canadian National Teams and the Canadian Road Cycling Championships. For more information, visitwww.globalrelay.com. For more information about the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, visit www.globalrelayggp.org

 

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Contact:
Andrew Pinfold
Managing Director
Global Relay Bridge the Gap Fund
778-839-5275

Dominion Lending Centres Signs On As Presenting Sponsor

Dominion Lending Centres has officially signed on as the presenting sponsor for the PoCo Grand Prix, giving a major boost to the premier cycling event taking place in downtown Port Coquitlam on Friday, July 15.

The announcement was made at a sponsor kick-off evening for the BC Superweek event hosted Tuesday night by Samz Pub. As part of Canada’s largest professional road cycling series, the PoCo Grand Prix is expected to attract thousands of spectators and cycling enthusiasts to downtown Port Coquitlam for a day of sport, live entertainment, family activities and more.

“It’s a perfect match – an exciting, high-profile event in our city and one of Port Coquitlam’s most successful businesses. We couldn’t be happier,” Mayor Greg Moore said. “We’re confident that Dominion Lending Centre’s positive reputation will encourage other businesses to see the opportunity and get involved.”

Based in Port Coquitlam, Dominion Lending Centres (DLC) is an award-winning national mortgage company with more than 2,400 mortgage professionals across the country. Launched in 2006, DLC is recognized annually at the prestigious CMP Canadian Mortgage Awards, and continues to be acclaimed by PROFIT Magazine as one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies.

DLC is also known for its community involvement, including its support of anti-bullying initiatives such as the national Bullying Ends Here program and the Port Coquitlam-based I am Someone Ending Bullying Society, as well as the national Breakfast for Learning program and its own Bikes for Kids program.

“We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of this premier racing event in Port Coquitlam,” said Gary Mauris, President and CEO of Dominion Lending Centres. “Being actively involved in our community is one of things we hold dear at Dominion Lending Centres and I cannot wait for the PoCo Grand Prix this July!”

PoCo Grand Prix sponsorship is available at a variety of levels to enable businesses of all sizes to participate.

Businesses started taking advantage of the opportunities shortly after the event was announced in November. The first to come on board were Westwood Cycle as a gold sponsor, Mahony & Sons as the VIP Tent sponsor, Metro Ford as the Pace Vehicles sponsor, and the Tri-City News as a media sponsor (silver level).

Other sponsors announced Tuesday night include TELUS as the Corporate Challenge sponsor, Norco Bikes as the Kids’ Race sponsor, Still Creek Press as the printing sponsor, Action Athletic Wear as the screen print sponsor, McDonald’s Port Coquitlam as the Kids’ Play Zone sponsor, and the Alan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic with Port Coquitlam Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic as the medical volunteer sponsor. A number of other businesses have also pledged their support.

While most of the naming rights for 2016 have been secured, gold, silver and other levels of sponsorship are still available – some with significant rewards. Based on the sponsorship level, rewards may include advance promotions, on-site signage and banners, display space, PA announcements, private viewing space, participation in the PoCo Grand Prix Expo, and passes to the exclusive VIP experience featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, viewing screens and more. 

Sponsorship and other event information is available at www.pocograndprix.ca

About Dominion Lending Centres

Dominion Lending Centres is Canada’s number one national mortgage company with more than 2,400 mortgage professionals spanning the country. Launched in January 2006, DLC quickly grew to fund more than $17 billion in mortgage volume in 2014 – the largest origination volume of any Canadian brokerage. DLC continues to be recognized by PROFIT Magazine as one of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies – making the PROFIT HOT 50 list of Emerging Growth Companies (2009 and 2010), PROFIT 200 (2012) and PROFIT 500 (2013 and 2014). DLC and its agents are recognized annually at the CMP Canadian Mortgage Awards – the Oscars of the Canadian mortgage brokering landscape.

Corporate Teams Can Race Like The Pros At PoCo Grand Prix

Is your business up for the challenge? Companies can now register their teams for the PoCo Grand Prix Corporate Challenge, part of the BC Superweek cycling event taking place in downtown Port Coquitlam on Friday,  July 15.

Participating corporate teams of four will compete in recreational or competitive races along the same 1.3-kilometre course as the pros. As part of Canada’s largest professional road cycling series, the PoCo Grand Prix is expected to attract thousands of spectators and cycling enthusiasts to downtown Port Coquitlam for a day of sport, live entertainment, family activities and more.

“The Corporate Challenge is a great way for businesses to raise their profile and get involved at a deeper level in this exciting event,” Mayor Greg Moore said. “It’s also a great team-building exercise as you race at your pace around the closed streets of downtown Port Coquitlam.”

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 jersey branded with their company logo, and be hosted in the exclusive Mahony & Sons VIP area featuring food, refreshments and prime viewing of the professional race.

• Recreational: Teams of four (co-ed) will race in a relay format, with five laps per rider. Teams submit their predicted team time in advance, and the team closest to its predicted time will be crowned champion.

• Competitive: Teams of four (co-ed) will race in a relay format, with six laps per rider. The fourth rider will be dropped in lap four, the third rider dropped in lap five, and the final two riders must cross the finish line together to mark their time.

• Women’s: Teams of four women will race in the recreational and competitive divisions but be scored separately. The teams that rank highest in their respective categories will be crowned champions in the Women’s Only category.

More details about the Corporate Challenge are posted at www.pocograndprix.ca/corporate-challenge/. Registration is $1,00 per team plus tax, through www.experienceit.ca (registration number 15532), by calling 604.927.7946 or in person at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre or the Outlet or Gathering Place in Leigh Square. Those who wish to register a team under a corporate account may contact 604.927.7900 or recreation@portcoquitlam.ca.

Businesses wanting to align themselves with the PoCo Grand Prix can also take advantage of a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities, including sponsorship of the Corporate Challenge.

Based on the sponsorship level, rewards may include advance promotions, on-site signage and banners, display space, PA announcements, private viewing space, and passes to the exclusive Mahony & Sons VIP tent featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, viewing screens and more. Sponsorship information is available on our sponsorship page.

Gear Up For The PoCo Grand Prix – Volunteers & Sponsors Needed

A call for PoCo Grand Prix volunteers and sponsors is going out this week as planning for the July 15 cycling event swings into high gear.

As part of BC Superweek – Canada’s largest professional road cycling series – the PoCo Grand Prix will attract thousands of spectators and cycling enthusiasts to downtown Port Coquitlam for a day of sport, live entertainment, family activities and more.

Dozens of volunteers and sponsors are needed to make the event a success.

“The PoCo Grand Prix is only five months away and we’re gearing up now to ensure it is a fantastic event that showcases the best of our community,” Mayor Greg Moore said. “We’re asking the community to gear up too by stepping forward to support the event as a volunteer or a sponsor.”

Sponsors are already starting to take advantage of opportunities that range from naming rights to display space in the PoCo Grand Prix Expo. Sponsorship is available at a variety of levels to enable businesses of all sizes to participate.

The first to sign up as a Gold sponsor was Westwood Cycle, which is also assisting with event planning and providing volunteers. Owners Kelly and Glen Hobbis are encouraging other businesses to get involved.

“Glen’s dad Cap always said that if you aren’t about giving back to the community, then what are you about? These are words we have always lived by, personally and business-wise,” Kelly Hobbis said. “We encourage all other businesses, big or small, to sponsor, volunteer and attend this amazing event. This event has the potential to identify Port Coquitlam as an active, healthy and fun community, and those who sponsor this event will be clearly identified as active, healthy and fun corporate partners.”

Metro Ford has also stepped forward as the official sponsor of the pace vehicles.

Based on the sponsorship level, rewards may include advance promotions, on-site signage and banners, display space, PA announcements, private viewing space, and passes to the exclusive VIP tent featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, viewing screens and more.  Sponsorship information is available at www.pocograndprix.ca.

Volunteers will also play a key role, primarily on the day of the event. Approximately 150 volunteers over the age of 15 are needed for tasks including team captains, racecourse fencing, signage, marshaling, VIP tent, beer garden, fundraising, first aid, PoCo Grand Prix Expo (trade show), street team event hosts, event setup and takedown and other areas.

People can volunteer as individuals, as a group or as a team from an organization of up to 12 volunteers. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer for information and online registration.

Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to be in downtown Port Coquitlam July 15 to watch about 200 top international cyclists race along a 1.3-kilometre circuit and enjoy a community festival including live entertainment, a Kids’ Zone, beer garden and other activities.

Registration will also open up in the coming weeks for public events such as the Kids’ Race, Youth Race and Corporate Challenge, and to sign up to host a visiting rider or team.

Event and sponsorship information is available at www.pocograndprix.ca. Questions may be directed to grandprix@portcoquitlam.ca or to Lori Bowie at 604-927-7900. For volunteer opportunities, contact Rob Loxterkamp at loxterkampr@portcoquitlam.ca or at 604-927-7953.

Dates Announced for 2016 BC Superweek Cycling Series

National and international professional cycling returns to Metro Vancouver from July 8 – 17, 2016 with BC Superweek. Featuring eight races over ten days in seven different communities, BC Superweek is comprised of five events overall.

The Tour de Delta kicks off BC Superweek by hosting three days of racing that consists of the very fast MK Delta Lands Criterium in the evening on Friday, July 8, the Brenco Criterium in the historic fishing village of Ladner on Saturday, July 9, and the White Spot | Delta UCI 1.2 Road Race on the morning of Sunday, July 10, in Tsawwassen.

Following Delta, on Wednesday, July 13, is the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, one of the most challenging and exhilarating cycling events in Canada.

On the night of Thursday, July 14, it’s the Giro di Burnaby Presented by Appia Development, a criterium course centered in the colourful Heights neighbourhood on Hastings Street.

The PoCo Grand Prix on Friday, July 15 is the newest addition to the BC Superweek series. The fast-paced criterium will see top cyclists speed through the downtown streets of Port Coquitlam.

BC Superweek comes to a conclusion with the Tour de White Rock, a two-day points series race that includes the Choices Markets Criterium on the evening of Saturday, July 16 and one of the more challenging road race courses in North America – the Peace Arch News Road Race – on the morning of Sunday, July 17.

“We are pleased to officially announce the 2016 race dates for BC Superweek,” said Race Director Mark Ernsting. “Over the next number of months, we look forward to unveiling additional details that will further enhance BC Superweek as one of North America’s top series of professional cycling races.”

With between 5,000 and 30,000 spectators in attendance at each event and more than $125,000 in cash prizes for participants, BC Superweek is the cycling event to attend each year.

Some of the most competitive teams in national and international cycling have already committed to attending the series this summer. All races are free to watch.

The list of cycling stars who have raced at BC Superweek includes the likes of Tyler Farrar, Chris Horner, Alex Stieda, Davis Phinney, Svein Tuft, Brian Walton, Christian Meier on the men’s side, and Leah Kirchmann, Shelley Olds, Alison Sydor, Denise Ramsden, Leslie Tomlinson and Marianne Berglund on the women’s side.

If you’re a cyclist or team and would like to participate in BC Superweek, please contact Mark Ernsting at 604-760-7373 or ernsting@m1sportsmanagement.com.

BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional cycling series and features more than $125,000 in prize money available during eight races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 8 – 17, and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 8, 9, 10), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 13), Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development (July 14), PoCo Grand Prix (July 15), and Tour de White Rock (July 16, 17). For more information, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.

New Friday Date Expected To Raise Profile of PoCo Grand Prix

News that the PoCo Grand Prix cycling race will be held Friday July 15 is being touted as a major boost for the new event.

Port Coquitlam was selected last fall as one of the sites for BC Superweek, Canada’s largest professional road cycling series, which takes place each July in five Metro Vancouver cities. The PoCo Grand Prix was originally scheduled to be held on a Tuesday in downtown Port Coquitlam. As a result of joint efforts between the City and BC Superweek to enhance the series, the date has been moved to Friday.

“It’s wonderful news and it’s coming at a great time, because we’re gearing up now to get sponsors, volunteers and the entire community involved in the PoCo Grand Prix,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore. “We expect the Friday date to help attract more spectators to our event, and we’re hoping visitors will stick around for the weekend following this free, fun event to find out what else Port Coquitlam has to offer. We couldn’t be happier.”

With this schedule change, BC Superweek will run July 8 to 17 with the following lineup: Tour de Delta, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Appia Presents Giro di Burnaby, PoCo Grand Prix and Beverley by Cressey Presents Tour de White Rock.

BC Superweek has a considerable following, and thousands of people are expected to gather in Port Coquitlam to watch top international cyclists race through the downtown streets. The criterium-style race will feature a mass start on a 1.3-kilometre circuit that cyclists will navigate for 40-65 laps. Approximately 200 male and female professional cyclists will whiz by about every minute, making for an exciting spectator experience.

The day will also include a kids’ race, youth race, Corporate Challenge races, live entertainment, a Kids’ Zone, beer garden, VIP tent and other activities.

“BC Superweek is committed to hosting the best series of professional cycling events in North America,” said Race Director Mark Ernsting. “The goal is to provide a first class experience to the athletes, sponsors and communities that host this series. We feel with this new schedule that it will allow us to provide an enhanced experience as the series continues to evolve and grow.”

Opportunities to get involved

Planning for the event is now in full swing, including soliciting corporate sponsorship and signing up approximately 200 volunteers. The community will also be invited to register for the Youth Race, Kids’ Race and Corporate Challenge in the weeks to come.

Volunteers will be needed both before and on July 15 for tasks related to athlete accommodation, racecourse fencing, signage, marshaling, VIP tent, beer garden, fundraising, first aid, PoCo Grand Prix Expo (trade show), pace vehicles, event set and take down and other areas. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer for information and online registration.

“We’re going to be relying heavily on volunteers to make the PoCo Grand Prix a success,” said Cllr. Darrell Penner, who chairs the city’s Healthy Community Committee. “It’s a great opportunity to do your part to help showcase Port Coquitlam, while also being involved at the ground level in hosting this exciting event.”

Sponsorship is available at all levels to enable businesses of all sizes to participate. Opportunities range from display space in the PoCo Grand Prix Expo to exclusive naming rights – including the chance to be the event’s presenting sponsor for one or more years. Based on the sponsorship level, rewards may include advance promotions, on-site signage and banners, display space, PA announcements, private viewing space, and passes to the VIP tent featuring prime viewing, complimentary food and beverages, viewing screens and more.

Event and sponsorship information is available at www.pocograndprix.ca. Questions may be directed to grandprix@portcoquitlam.ca or to Lori Bowie at 604-927-7907.

 

© Stirl & Rae Photo

Port Coquitlam to join BC Superweek cycling series in 2016

Port Coquitlam, BC – November 26, 2015  •  Thousands of spectators will gather in Port Coquitlam July 12, 2016 to watch top international cyclists race through the downtown streets during a new BC Superweek event: the PoCo Grand Prix.

Representatives from the city, BC Superweek and Canada’s professional cycling community announced today (Nov. 26) that Port Coquitlam has signed a five-year agreement to be a host city for BC Superweek, the nation’s biggest professional road cycling series.

“The PoCo Grand Prix will be Port Coquitlam’s chance to shine as it exposes our city to spectators and cycling fans from Canada and around the world,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore. “This will be a great opportunity to show off our amenities, natural beauty, charming downtown, and amazing community spirit. We’re also looking forward to the economic spinoffs that BC Superweek will bring to our city and our local businesses.”

Held the second week of July each year, BC Superweek features more than $120,000 in prize money, with eight races over nine days. The PoCo Grand Prix will be held on the second day of the series, joining the Tour de Delta, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development, and Beverley by Cressey presents Tour de White Rock.

Residents and visitors can look forward to an exciting afternoon of sport, live entertainment and cycling-related activities on July 12.

The criterium-style race will feature a mass start and a 1.3-kilometre circuit that cyclists will navigate for 40-65 laps. Approximately 200 male and female cyclists will whiz by about every minute, making for an exciting spectator experience. The day will also include races for children and youth, and a Corporate Challenge.

The proposed racing course includes parts of Shaughnessy Street, Elgin Avenue, Mary Hill Road, McAllister Avenue, Donald Street and Wilson Avenue.

The route is now being finalized by the event organizers – a city-led advisory committee with representatives from former host cities, BC Superweek, the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association and local cycling-related businesses.

Port Coquitlam was one of several Lower Mainland communities scouted by BC Superweek when the second event in the series, formerly hosted by the University of British Columbia, became available. The city’s enthusiasm, central location and downtown race site were among the deciding factors in selecting Port Coquitlam.

“It is an honour and thrill to see the evolution of the UBC Grand Prix over the past five years now be associated with the wonderful City of Port Coquitlam as the new PoCo Grand Prix,” said PoCo Grand Prix Chair Dr. Jack Taunton. “The city’s vision for this new event is outstanding and fits our goals for this new race within BC Superweek.”

The committee has begun discussions with properties that will be affected by the road closures on the afternoon of July 12. Alternate routes will be provided in and around the downtown that day for vehicle, transit and foot traffic.

Businesses and the community will be encouraged to participate in the event in a variety of ways, including sponsorship, volunteering and participating in public cycling events for children, youth and businesses on July 12.

The city and advisory committee are working to secure a name sponsor for the race, and are offering a variety of sponsorship and marketing opportunities. Businesses that want to be involved are invited to email grandprix@portcoquitlam.ca or contact Lori Bowie at 604-927-7907 for more information.

“When a village or city in Europe is selected to be part of the Tour de France it is a true feather in their cap, and the race is embraced by everyone,” noted Kelly Hobbis, owner of Westwood Cycle and a member of the advisory committee. “For Port Coquitlam to be selected to be a host city for this international cycling event is very exciting, and Westwood Cycle is thrilled to be part of it.”

Opportunities for community involvement will include subcommittees to the advisory committee and more than 100 volunteer positions. Volunteer information is available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer. Event and sponsorship details have been posted at www.pocograndprix.ca.