2018 PoCo Grand Prix will be BC Superweek’s First Night Race
Annual PoCo Grand Prix Kids’ Race continues to surge in popularity
The sun sets on Friday, July 13 at 9:14 pm, which is exactly one minute before the men are scheduled to take to the start line of the 2018 PoCo Grand Prix presented by Dominion Lending Centres. The start time is nearly 90 minutes later than it was in 2017 and the impending nightfall adds an additional layer of excitement to the $15,000 event.
“It has been a vision for some time to have one of the BC Superweek partners host a night criterium. The PoCo Grand Prix was a perfect fit,” explained Series Director Mark Ernsting. “Being on a Friday evening, spectators are able to enjoy the atmosphere that will complement the already-established celebratory atmosphere in Port Coquitlam.”
One of the motivating factors for the later start is to minimize the impact of road closures in Port Coquitlam’s downtown core, but as the date draws closer, the focus has shifted to the PoCo Grand Prix being expected to bring an even bigger fun and festive feel to what has quickly become one of the community’s most anticipated events.
“The PoCo Grand Prix keeps getting better and better with the exciting addition of BC Superweek’s first night races,” said Mayor Greg Moore. “It will be a thrill to watch the pro cyclists whip through our downtown especially as it gets dark. There’s fun for all ages, so make sure you’re here on July 13th.”
Since hundreds of kids first rode the same course as the pro cyclists two years ago, the Kids’ Race at the PoCo Grand Prix has exceeded expectations in participation. Last year, more than 200 kids signed up to race and that number is even bigger this year – setting the standard for kids’ races at BC Superweek.
“We’re excited that the Kids’ Race continues to grow in popularity as it’s a real highlight of the event,” said Councillor Glenn Pollock, Chair of the City’s Healthy Community Committee. “I can’t wait to see more than 300 kids race like the pros through our downtown.”
The Kids’ Race sponsored by Norco Bicycles is for young riders between the ages of 3 and 12 years. It is divided into three heats, with the 3-5-year olds racing first, then the 6-8-year olds, followed by the 9-12-year olds. The race serves as a wonderful means to inspire kids to get involved in the sport. For spectators, there’s the chance that they might be seeing the next great Canadian cyclist like Svein Tuft, Leah Kirchmann, Christian Meier, or Alison Sydor.
To register for the Kids’ Race or for event details and more information, visit pocograndprix.ca
BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional road cycling series and features more than $140,000 in prize money with nine races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 6 – 15 and is made up of the Tour de Delta presented by Beedie (July 6 – 8), New West Grand Prix (July 10), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 11), Giro di Burnaby presented by Appia Development (July 12), PoCo Grand Prix presented by Dominion Lending Centres (July 13), and Tour de White Rock presented by Landmark Premiere Properties (July 14 – 15).