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 as the opening race at each of the five B.C. Superweek criteriums next month.
The new B.C. Superweek Youth Series is a partnership between B.C. Superweek and Global Relay’s Bridge the Gap Fund, which is coordinating the series.
In addition to racing at the Tour de Delta criterium, UBC Grand Prix, Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby and the Tour de White Rock criterium, boys (12 to 15) and girls (12 to 16) will also race at the Mission Raceway criterium, and the Valley Gran Fondo.
In addition to giving the up-and-coming racers a chance to compete in seven races over eight days, B.C. 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.
To make the racing as accessible as possible for youth racers and their families, entry fees for the 20-minute races have been waived for the Superweek crits and discounted for the others, thanks to the generosity of the race organizers.
In addition, the local youth cycling club EV/DEVO is offering to host out-of-town families. Registration for the youth races is limited to 50 riders with nearly half the available spots already taken.
Andrew Pinfold, managing director of the fund is excited for the inaugural B.C. Superweek Youth Series.
“I’m over the moon that we have been able to work with the various B.C. Superweek organizers to put in place events that will showcase the future of our sport,” said Pinfold in a press release. “I can’t wait to see the kids on the start line at Delta, UBC, Gastown, Burnaby and White Rock. This initiative aligns with Bridge the Gap’s mission of working upstream to foster high quality, sustainable development of cycling in Canada.”
"The addition of the Youth Series aligns with the philosophy of B.C. Superweek to provide an opportunity for local athletes to experience international competition and to inspire the next generation of cyclists. We are thrilled as a group to have Andrew and his team lead this series within our series, as it’s the perfect platform to inspire our youth to one day want to race with the professionals and possibly be the next to represent Canada on the international stage,” says race director Mark Ernsting.
Events in B.C. Youth Superweek
July 11 – Tour de Delta Brenco Criterium
July 13 – Mission Raceway Criterium*
July 14 – UBC Grand Prix Criterium p/b Mahony & Sons
July 15 – Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix Criterium
July 16 – Giro di Burnaby Criterium p/b Appia Development
July 17 – Tour de White Rock Criterium
July 19 – Prospera Valley Gran Fondo*
* $30 entry for youth and discounts for parents (detail TBC). Results will not count for overall series.
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).
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:
For all races in the series (apart from the Mission Classic), entry is free.
Race Tech Guide:
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 http://cyclingbc.net/youth/youth-resources/.
For more information about Global Relay's Bridge-the-Gap fund, visit www.grbridgethegap.com
For more information about BC Superweek, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.
