June 20/12 8:57 am - Past Gastown Grand Prix's: From the Archives

Posted by Editoress on 06/20/12
 

In the lead up to the 2012 Gastown GP, the organizers have been releasing some archival coverage of past events


1993  Gastown Grand Prix
Get ready for a retro look at Gastown and the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix with our new YouTube channel. First up, it’s the “backwards” 1993 men’s race, the only version to run clockwise.

Our thanks to Cycling Canada Cyclisme for the broadcast rights.

CLICK HERE


1988 Gastown Grand Prix
After almost skipping the race, here’s 22 year old Brian Walton of North Delta, BC winning the 1988 Gastown Grand Prix. It was a wet day and Brian was home nursing the flu. When the skies cleared he decided to race and five laps into the race he got away in the winning five-man breakaway.

“I was sick going into the race and didn't really give myself much of a chance,” says Brian. “I was relaxed since I didn't have high expectations. Then on the line I felt pretty good and decided to go for it and be aggressive. It paid off!” No kidding.

Finishing second was his 7-Eleven teammate Scott McKinley with Bruce Spicer (Kuwahara/Suntour/Deeley) outsprinting Alex Stieda for third. See how it happened......

CLICK HERE


1993 Women's Gastown GP and Tour de Whiterock
Since 1973, only one rider has ridden the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix wearing the rainbow stripes as a past World Road Champion. That rider was Sweden’s Marianne Berglund, who won the world title in 1983 and was riding her first Gastown in 1993.

Commenting on the damp conditions, Marianne said, “I was happy it dried up before the race because it’s a very technical course. It’s the kind of course where you have to be very observant. You have to be very quick and you have to make sure you know what’s going on.” 

She clearly knew what was going on as she took the victory against the powerhouse Team Kahlua foursome of Sara Neil, Clara Hughes, Lesley Tomlinson and Sue Palmer. She also won the Tour de White Rock the day before.

CLICK HERE

Coming Soon

The 1991 Gastown Grand Prix won by Lance Armstrong. His first pro win in North America.