May 7/08 9:03 am - Welland Race NOT Cancelled

Posted by Editor on 05/7/08
 

Welland Race NOT Cancelled

After the release from the Canadian Cycling Association concerning the cancellation of the UCI race scheduled for Welland, Ontario, there was a general belief that there would be no race in Welland. That is incorrect, and organizer Willie Coyle sent us the following clarification:

I would like to clear up any confusion regarding the Welland Ontario Road Race and Crit. It is disappointing not being able to put on a race with UCI ranking (we have the UCI sanction). The CCA and the UCI have been very cooperative with me and the City of Welland, but the Ontario Ministry of Health and Recreation (Sport) turned us down for a International Amateur Sports Grant. To qualify for this Grant, you must be in a bidding process with another city in another country. Cycling will never qualify in Ontario with this rule, for a grant.

We have been working hard to put on a road race in Welland on August 3rd and a crit August 2nd. There WILL be a race on these dates in Welland under the OCA sanction. The route will include riding under the Welland Canal Tunnel. We have had ongoing meetings with the MTO and the Region of Niagara to close the tunnel to traffic when there are cyclists racing through the tunnel.

I have laid out the course to be interesting and challenging for the riders. (There will be CASH prizes). This will be the continuation of the 18th Rose City Criterium on Saturday, August 2nd for all categories and the road race on Sunday, August 3rd for Senior (150 km) and Master men (110 km). I would like to have a road race for all categories, but they will not let us have the roads closed that long. The tech guide is to follow.

Yours in Sport,

Willie Coyle
Event Chairman for Welland 150 Anniversary Bike Race