April 20/16 16:53 pm - BC Superweek Youth Series Returns for Second Year

Posted by Editoress on 04/20/16
 

BC road cycling fans will get an exciting look at Canada's next generation of cycling stars when boys and girls aged 12-16 go head-to-head at the opening race of each BC Superweek criterium this year.

The BC Superweek Youth Series is a partnership between BC Superweek and Global Relay's Bridge the Gap Fund, which coordinates the series. In addition to racing at the Tour de Delta Brenco Criterium, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development and the Choices Markets Criterium at Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock, boys (12-15) and girls (12-16) will also contest a special Escape Velocity Tuesday Night Criterium, along with BC Superweek's newest event, the PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres.

In addition to giving up-and-coming racers a chance to compete in six races over eight days, the BC Superweek Youth Series will also give them a chance to test their bike handling skills at speed over the same iconic courses their heroes will race on later each evening in front of thousands of cheering race fans.  Plans are also underway to continue the tradition of a morning ride, where youth racers can ride with the pros competing in BC Superweek.

The format for the youth races remains the same in order to make the racing as accessible as possible for youth racers and their families. Entry fees for the 20-minute races have been waived and the local youth cycling club EV/DEVO is offering to host out of town families. Registration for each youth race is limited to 50 riders.

Andrew Pinfold, Managing Director of the Bridge the Gap fund, is excited for the 2nd Annual BC Superweek Youth Series stating, "Last year I had goosebumps every night watching the kids race their hearts out! I'm over the moon that we have been able to work again with the various BC Superweek organizers to put in place events that provide such a great showcase for the future of our sport. I can't wait to see the kids on the start line at again at Delta, Gastown, Burnaby and White Rock and the inaugural PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres. This initiative aligns with the Global Relay Bridge the Gap mission to work upstream to foster high quality, sustainable development of cycling in Canada."

"BC Superweek is pleased to continue to host the youth series," says Race Director, Mark Ernsting. "It's the perfect platform to get young riders excited about the sport, so they will embrace cycling as a lifelong activity. We are proud to support the development of these aspiring athletes, and we look forward to one day seeing them on the professional podium of our BC Superweek races."

Events in BC Youth Superweek

July 9 - Tour de Delta Brenco Criterium
July 12 - Escape Velocity Tuesday Nighter Criterium (longer event: 30-40min)
July 13 - Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix Criterium
July 14 - Giro di Burnaby Criterium p/b Appia Development
July 15 - PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres
July 16 - Choices Markets Criterium at Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock

Race distances:
Riders will race for approximately 20 minutes (15 minutes plus 2 laps). Boys and girls will race together, but will be scored separately.

Registration:
Races are open to all riders, however, given the anticipated level of competition and speed of the events, it is recommended that participants have some racing experience. Field size will be limited to 50 riders total (boys and girls). Please click Here to register.

Equipment:
While not compulsory, a road bike is highly recommended. Bikes must to be in good working order. Any rider with a bike that is deemed by race officials to be unsafe (for example non-functional brakes), will not be allowed to participate. No aero bars, 16 spoke wheel minimum, 40mm max rim depth (no carbon wheels), roll out (7.93 meters, 52?14).

Cost:
The entry is free for all races in the series.

Race Tech Guide:
Details to be announced shortly.
To find out more about getting involved bike racing and for information on youth cycling programs in your area, please visit the Cycling BC Youth Resource page.

About Bridge the Gap
The Bridge the Gap fund was a created by Vancouver tech leader Global Relay in November 2012 with the support of current Canadian cycling professionals Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEDGE), Will Routley (Rally Pro Cycling), Ryan Anderson (Direct Energie), and former pros Erinne Willock and Andrew Pinfold, who serve as the BTG's board. The program addresses the gap in the development of up and coming Canadian cyclists (19 to 25), by providing access to the coaching, resources and equipment they need to reach their full potential. In addition, the board's members play a key role in networking with US managers and coaches to secure spots on professional teams. For more information, visit www.grbridgethegap.com.

About BC Superweek
BC Superweek is Canada's biggest professional cycling series and features more than $125,000 in prize money available during eight races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 8 - 17, and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 8, 9, 10), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 13), Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development (July 14), PoCo Grand Prix (July 15), and Steve Nash Fitness World Presents the Tour de White Rock (July 16, 17). For more information, visit www.bcsuperweek.ca.