June 4/19 10:06 am - Canadian Masters Cycling Championships in Victoria This Weekend

Posted by Editoress on 06/4/19
 

The Greater Victoria area will again play host to the top masters cyclists in the nation as it hosts the Canadian Masters Road Cycling Championships and Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series p/b Lexus Victoria, on June 7-9.

"This weekend's action will match what we saw last year," said Race Director, Jon Watkin. "Racers from across Canada will experience three days of stunning scenery as they race challenging events in Metchosin, along the scenic Dallas Road and on the Crown Jewel - Victoria's Inner Harbour."

"With such a majestic setting we are very proud to again be hosting our Canadian Masters Road Championships in beautiful Victoria, B.C." said Cycling Canada Executive Director, Matthew Jeffries. "Victoria represents one of the most vibrant and engaged cycling communities in Canada. The entire region is at the forefront of sustainable transportation and sport development and we couldn't be happier to host this marquee event here."

"Greater Victoria is proud to host the 2019 Canadian Masters Cycling Championships," says Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. "Events like these really showcase our enviable cycling infrastructure, spectacular scenery and amenities which make this region a world-class event hosting destination."

The Series kicks off on Friday, June 7th, with the Veloguide Time Trial at Clover Point and Dallas Road. Riders will start individually in the time trial at one-minute intervals, racing laps on a Dallas Road course.

On Saturday, June 8th, the racers will take to the hills of Metchosin en masse to test their mettle on a gruelling 10 kilometre circuit for the Motus Cycling Classic. Female and male riders topping their field in various age groups will be crowned Canadian Champions.

"We affectionally call it a race of attrition," says Watkin. "Only the bravest take the break on the first lap and the survivors endure the rest of the undulating hills. The winners will truly be deserving of the maple leaf (National Champion) jersey."

The Canadian Road (Masters) Championships / Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series p/b Lexus finishes on Sunday, June 9th, with the Russ Hay's Grand Prix Criterium around the BC Legislature. This race takes riders wheel-to-wheel, shoulder-to-shoulder, around a fast four-corner circuit in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

Kids ages 3-10 will be participating in the crowd-favourite Tim Hortons Timbit Challenge, where they will be joined by Canadian Olympians to ride along the race circuit. This popular race reached its 200-field maximum so registration is closed.

Masters criterium races run all morning starting at 8 a.m. with Canadian Masters Champions being crowned throughout the morning in various age categories while the afternoon features youth, category and elite races. The female elite race starts at 4 p.m. and the full day of racing ends with the elite men's race starting at 5 p.m.

For more information and race schedule go to www.victoriabikerace.com.