DELTA - This weekend, more than 200 cyclists from around North America and across the globe will converge on the Lower Mainland for BC Superweek, which begins with the $25,000 Tour de Delta July 4 to 6. "It's great to see the Corporation of Delta, sponsors, and community members commit to the addition of women's UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) race as part of the Tour de Delta," said BC Superweek race director Mark Ernsting. "Delta is a fantastic community that is so welcoming each and every year to our teams and riders from around North America and the world."
The annual Tour de Delta takes place over three days with the MK Delta Criterium on July 4 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in North Delta; the Brenco Criterium starting at 5 p.m. July 5 in Ladner; and the White Spot Delta Road Race on the morning of July 6 in Tsawwassen. An added attraction this year to the White Spot Delta Road Race is the fact that it's UCI sanctioned for both the men's and women's races."UCI sanctioning increases the level and depth of the women's field at the White Spot Delta Road Race, which undoubtedly will continue to see the number of athletes, stature and excitement of the race grow from its previous editions," said Cycling Canada president John Tolkamp. "Mostimportantly, UCI sanctioning allows nations to accumulate critical points towards international ranking, which increases the number of athletes who can compete at World Championships and Olympic Games. Racing on Canadian soil allows more Canadian riders to participate."For fans and aspiring cyclists watching the UCI sanctioned competition at the White Spot Delta Road Race, the experience of seeing Canadian athletes up close and personal accumulating points with an eye on international competition should definitely leave an impression.Having UCI status at both the men's and women's levels should also ramp up the competitive nature of the cyclists themselves, plus the exposure for BC Superweek, the Tour de Delta and the Corporation of Delta.BC Superweek features $120,000 in prize money available during nine races over 10 days. BC Superweek runs from July 4 to 13, and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 4, 5, 6), UBC Grand Prix p/b Mahony & Sons (July 8), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 9), Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Developments (July 10) and the Tour de White Rock (July 11, 12, 13).For more information, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.