Alfred Anderson recognized as Tour de White Rock Founder
Long-time City of White Rock Resident Started the Race in 1980
This year marks the 38th annual Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock. In 1979, Alfred Anderson had an idea to bring cycling to White Rock.
Anderson was an airline employee in the late 1970’s who travelled to numerous European countries and saw how cycling linked the communities together, embracing the overall culture of the sport, including road races and bike paths. It inspired him to think that his hometown of White Rock would be perfect for a road race.
“My mission was to make it a very involved community event. I wanted the inclusion of young and old in the race. There was a kid’s cycle event, games, anything to get the community involved. We even had a pipe band playing before the race,” he said. “Many volunteers have devoted their time to make the event what it is today and an event that others around the Lower Mainland have mirrored.”
In 1980, the first Tour de White Rock got off the ground with the help from the City of White Rock, after much convincing, and a small group of dedicated volunteers.
“Today, the Tour de White Rock attracts world-class cyclists from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA, and of course, Canada, who compete in this grueling races,” said White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin.
For Anderson, seeing the race develop from what it was to what is today is a highlight for him.
“This race and many activities like it wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for volunteers. They deserve all the credit. I thank them from the bottom of my heart, they are the ones that have made this race a success over the many years,” Anderson said. “Many thanks to the White Rock Recreation and Culture Department and Tour de White Rock Committee members for their involvement in developing this race to its current standard.”
At the City of White Rock’s Regular Council meeting on June 12, Anderson was formerly recognized and thanked by Mayor and Council for his dedication to community service and leadership in regards to the Tour de White Rock.
“Thanks to Mr. Anderson’s leadership, along with dedicated volunteers, event committee members and city staff, Tour de White Rock has contributed to building our community spirit and helped us showcase our city in its grandest form over the years,” Mayor Baldwin went on to say.
BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional road cycling series and features more than $135,000 in prize money with nine races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 7 – 16 this summer and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 7 – 9), New West Grand Prix (July 11), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 12), Giro di Burnaby presented by Appia Development (July 13), Poco Grand Prix presented by Dominion Lending Centres (July 14), and Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock (July 15 – 16).