July 29/04 10:10 am - Elliot Lake Ontario Cup Update

Posted by Editoress on 07/29/04
 

Elliot Lake Ontario Cup Update

City of Elliot Lake ready to embrace the SISU Ontario Cup Road Race

"City Council has unanimously approved road closures and have bent over backwards to ensure this event happens to the best of our ability." Those were the words from Steve Hollingshead, one of the chief organizers of this inaugural SISU Ontario Cup.

John Harris, team manager for ITALPASTA - TRANSPORT BELMIRE, has confirmed they will be taking a contingent of at least six top riders including Chris Isaac, fresh off the Tour of China.

Accommodations for this event are booking up fast. In fact, the host hotel is full for the weekend; however, there are several other hotels in the immediate area ranging from $60 to $82. There are also very affordable options for teams going up for the weekend. There are a couple of housing units available for rent and even a converted conference room-turned-dormitory (less than $30/night). Please call Steve Hollingshead at 800-461-4600 ext 1 (elret@onlink.net) for all details relating to accommodations.

The NorDev Group has retained the expertise of the St. Catharines Cycling Club to provide technical guidance for the event. St. Catharines CC has organized many successful road events over the years including two Provincial Road Race championships, one Provincial Criterium, one UCI level Road Race and a major portion of a National Championship.

Mr. Coyle of the St. Catharines Cycling Club has visited Elliot Lake twice providing guidance and twice he was blown away by the eagerness and hospitality of the northern city. "They are doing more to make it (the Jewel in the Wilderness) a success than any other city or municipality I have ever worked with. They are pulling out all the resources to make this a success. In fact, closing the roads was the easiest part."

It is a rare occurrence when a city reaches out to the cycling community about the opportunity to host an event. This is especially true with Elliot Lake because they are focused on the long term. They hope this stage race will evolve into something big, something traditional, and something special. They are experienced at hosting other high level international events. A true stamp of their commitment is the size of their volunteer list. With over thirty names two weeks before the event is to take place is astonishing. Any organizer will agree.

The drive to Elliot Lake is not as far as the average person envisions. At just over 500 km from Toronto, Elliot Lake is in fact much closer than other US and Quebec based events that receive OCA membership support. Riders have the option of taking the scenic route through Manitoulin Island riding aboard the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. With the road race including a 1km climb with 6% grade (TV Hill) and another 2.5 km climb of 5-6% grade blended with the technical rolling hills (3-4% grade) of the in town section, Mr. Coyle guarantees "This is wonderful preparation for the Provincial Road Race Championships"

Technical guide

Racecourse photos

Registration is available online at www.canadiancyclist.com