Large crowds and legendary courses welcome young racers for a 3rd year at BC Superweek Youth Series.
BC road cycling fans will once again get an exciting look at Canada’s next generation of cycling stars when boys and girls aged 12-16 go head-to-head as the opening race at each of the BC Superweek criteriums.
BC Superweek Youth Series continues as 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 Ladner Criterium, the PoCo Grand Prix, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development and the Tour de White Rock Criterium, boys (12-15) and girls (12-16) will also contest BC Superweek’s newest event, the New West Grand Prix.
In addition to giving the up and coming racers a chance to compete in six races over eight days, 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. Further, plans are in the works to continue the tradition of the a morning ride with the pros where youth racers get the opportunity to ride alongside the pros competing in Superweek.
The format for the races remains the same in order 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 the youth races is limited to 50 riders.
Andrew Pinfold, Managing Director of the fund is excited for the 3nd Annual BC Superweek Youth Series stating, “Last year had goosebumps every night watching the kids race their hearts out! I’m thrilled that we have been able to work again with the various BC Superweek organizers to put in place events that provides 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, PoCo, Gastown, Burnaby and White Rock and for the new inaugural New West Grand Prix. This initiative aligns with Global Relay Bridge the Gap’s mission of working upstream to foster high quality, sustainable development of cycling in Canada.”
“BC Superweek is pleased to continue to again host the youth events. These races have become an integral part of the series and are the perfect platform for aspiring young riders to get excited about the sport. While only in its third year, the races have already helped create fantastic athletes as some of our inaugural edition rider will compete alongside the pros this year!” says Race Director, Mark Ernsting.
2018 Youth Series Information
There are 6 Criteriums and 1 Road Race that make up this series that coincides with the professional BC Superweek series, North America’s most prestigious road cycling series.
The youth events are open to males born in 2003, 2004 and 2005; and females born in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
The events require junior gearing (52×14 Chainring/cassette combination is common). The maximum roll-out is 7.93M.
The entry fee is $50 whether you enter one or all the events thanks to the generous support of the municipalities and sponsors.
For race questions, feel free to contact Brian Storey bbqstorey [at] gmail.com.
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: https://cyclingbc.net/youth/
