March 25/11 14:59 pm - Quebec City Pulls 2015 Road Worlds Bid UPDATED

Posted by Editoress on 03/25/11
 

Bid organizer Serge Arsenault has told  Radio-Canada, that he is withdrawing his bid for the 2015 Road World Championships to be held in Quebec City.  Arsenault said that the estimated $20 million cost was too high for a one-off event.

The bid started very strongly, with support from the city and the province, however, a combination of factors likely contributed to the decision to withdraw.  First, 2015 already has the Women's Football World Cup and the Pan Am Games coming to Canada, which will certainly affect the opportunity to attract federal funds (the 2003 Worlds in Hamilton received $10 million from the federal government).

Second, Quebec City has committed to building a hockey arena and attracting an NHL team, which will be $100 million, plus.

Third, most observers feel that Oman has the inside track, given their connections with European cycling power brokers.

But ... it was a nice dream while it lasted.

Below: Official Press release from Grand Prix Cyclistes Québec-Montréal


It was confirmed today that Québec City has withdrawn its bid to host the 2015 Road World Cycling Championships.

This decision was based on in-depth analysis of the potential benefits, in all areas, of bringing the championships to Québec. Québec City municipal authorities, working closely with provincial government bodies, have quite rightly deemed it better to focus all energies on developing the Québec City and Montréal Grands Prix Cyclistes, two UCI WorldTour events.

“Given the international renown built up after the premiere editions, along with the economic and media benefits generated by both events-which are unique in that they are the only WorldTour races on our continent-we are convinced that the decision, supported by everyone involved, is the right one,” says Serge Arsenault, President of the Grands Prix Cyclistes Québec–Montréal.

From now on the Grands Prix organizing committee will dedicate itself to ensuring the longevity of the events as well as their national and international impact, and expanding the array of related sports and cultural activities so as to transform the events into a huge celebration of cycling for everyone, fulfilling the wishes of people here and abroad.

A competitive sport cycling event open to all will be introduced in September 2012, bringing together devotees of this increasingly popular recreational activity by the thousands. Our roads will be invaded by enthusiastic riders from Québec and the rest of Canada, as well as North America and Europe. The racecourses will be designed to satisfy the needs of all racers, and will be magnificent showcases for the beauty of our province, its regions and its urban centres.

Plans are also in the works for a special day of activities especially for younger riders, providing incentives for them to adopt a healthy exercise routine built around cycling every day, and culminating in a massive gathering with the accent on fun and celebration.

Organizers also plan to stage a concert illustrating the diversity and richness of our homegrown artists and creators.

This realistic and promising project has led the Mayor of Québec City, Mr. Régis Labaume, as well as our other public-sector partners, to conclude that we must move in the direction of a recurring, constantly expanding event that meets the aspirations of everyone involved. Driven by the same desire to develop and ensure the longevity of cycling, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, Quebec Regions, has confirmed the federal government financial contribution for the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.

The Québec City Grand Prix Cycliste will be held on September 9, 2011, followed by the Montréal Grand Prix Cycliste on September 11.