GASTOWN GRAND PRIX 50TH ANNIVERSARY – NEW COURSE

The world changed when Covid-19 hit and changed many things, one of which was the loss of the Tour de Delta to hit the streets in the City.

While this is a huge loss one might mention that it was in part due to the lack of support from various areas which could be attributed to other things for families to venture out on.

The cost for the City could not have been cheap given the fact that City staff worked long extended hours which no doubt cost overtime volunteers and City workers.

The event was covered and shown live on EastlinkTV formerly Delta TV that saw full coverage of the three day event that saw Steve Sleep and crew make their way over from the Sunshine Coast to assist in the overall production.

Cables were run, connections were put in place and the crew had long demanding hours to put the “live” production off for Eastlink TV customers that brought in rave reviews from various individuals.

Not only was the Tour de Delta put in the bike rack, other races were also put on hold and from what I have heard it was  all due to cost.

As for the riders coming in from around the world they were as I was told “In Heaven” as they were placed in billet homes and thoroughly enjoyed their times with various families.

Not only did the riders enjoy it, Families with young children were in heaven as they got to mix and mingle with world class cyclists who took them under their wing, hopefully building future riders who embrace cycling.

 We received the following from Media Relations Manager Brian Wiebe for BC Superweek on the upcoming Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix.

This event is one of the most prestigious criterium cycling races in North America, is less than a month away and as part of its 50th anniversary, is thrilled to unveil an exhilarating new course for its upcoming edition on July 12, 2023.

The Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix will showcase a dynamic and redesigned racecourse that embraces the rich history of Gastown while providing a thrilling experience for participants and fans alike.

The 2023 Race Director, Mark Ernsting mentions “We are delighted to present the new course for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix and the course offers a fresh and exhilarating experience for riders, challenging them with its unique features and cobblestone streets. We believe this layout will captivate spectators and showcase the best of Gastown’s historic atmosphere.”

The redesigned racecourse spans 1.3 kilometres, incorporating both technical sections and high-speed straightaways. Cyclists will navigate several corners and undulating terrain, requiring precision and agility to maintain their positions. 

The course strategically showcases the stunning architecture and historic charm of Gastown, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on the riders. The buzz will be remarkable as cyclists race over the same cobblestones as cycling greats like Ron Hayman, Alex Stieda, Brian Walton, Alison Sydor, Gina Grain, and Clara Hughes – all of whom have represented Canada at the Olympic Games.

The start-finish line remains at the corner of Cambie Street and Water Street, next to the iconic Gastown steam clock. From there, riders head west on Water Street to Richards Street where a hairpin turn takes them onto West Cordova east to Columbia. 

Riders will then make a left on Columbia Street and ride one block north to Powell Street where they race onto Water Street back towards the start-finish line and main stage.

Celebrating its 50th year in 2023, the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix is a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts, drawing world-class athletes and fans from around the globe. 

Global Relay, a Gastown-based technology firm which was founded in 1999, made a multi-year commitment to resurrect the race in 2012 as an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Gastown residents and businesses, as well as the cycling community in Canada.

Since then, Global Relay has invested over $2 million in the race and will continue ownership of the event for the foreseeable future.

“As title sponsor, our commitment to the Gastown Grand Prix goes beyond just lending our name to this race,” says Warren Roy, Global Relay CEO and founder. “Global Relay has a deep connection to both the Gastown community and also professional cycling. We are proud to keep this premier race alive in the home of our global headquarters, as well as support rising young cyclists in Canada via our Global Relay Bridge the Gap Fund.”

Registration for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix is now open, and professional cyclists are invited to visit gastowngrandprix.com to secure their spot in this highly anticipated race.

About Global Relay

Global Relay is the leading provider of fully compliant, cloud electronic communications archiving, messaging, supervision, and eDiscovery solutions for the global financial sector and other highly regulated industries.

Founded in 1999, Global Relay delivers services to over 20,000 customers in 90 countries, including 22 of the top 25 banks. 

From the Global Relay App for compliant communications, through to intelligent archiving, superior data connectors, and proactive surveillance, Global Relay’s integrated compliance solutions enable regulated organizations to meet collaboration, privacy, and security requirements.