February 17/11 10:18 am - 100 Days to Tour de Victoria

Posted by Editoress on 02/17/11
 

With just 100 days to go, registration for the inaugural Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria ride on May 28th has surpassed the halfway mark, with over 750 cyclists ready to ride the 140 kilometre or 90 kilometre routes.

"We're really excited to have so many people joining this ride, especially after only one month since opening for registrations," said Director Seamus McGrath. "Victoria is a great place to ride and to be able to share its magic with so many others will really help give cycling the attention it deserves in this community."

McGrath added that VIP packages are also available for the 90 kilometre and 140 kilometre rides. The packages include a group dinner with Ryder Hesjedal, exclusive VIP start chute with Ryder, a signed t-shirt and access to a VIP registration area.

"This presents an amazing opportunity, rarely seen in other sports," said McGrath, "the chance to ride alongside Ryder, a top professional cyclist, as he prepares for the Tour de France. Olympic Gold medallist Simon Whitfield will be leading the 90 kilometre VIP ride as well."

"We want to encourage the corporate and cultural leaders from our community to come out for this ride," said McGrath. "The environmental and health benefits of cycling are significant and promoting these is a lot easier when VIPs get involved. We hope to attract as many as possible."

The tour will also offer a Community Ride led by former Olympic rower Silken Laumann. Registration will be on the day-of and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society (www.powertobe.ca). The ride will be geared towards families and beginner cyclists.

"I'm thrilled to be able to participate in this part of the tour," said Laumann. "Active families mean active, healthy kids. As a community it's important that we provide as many options as possible for people to get involved, and learn to love exercise, the outdoors and a lifestyle that includes health and fitness."

The Tour de Victoria is recruiting up to 500 volunteers to assist with the event. Interested individuals can visit the Tour de Victoria website for all the volunteer opportunities.

Online registration is available at www.tourdevictoria.com.