May 31, 2017 (BC) – 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 Brenco 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.

Events in BC Youth Superweek:

July 8 – Tour de Delta Brenco Criterium

July 11 – New West Grand Prix

July 12 – Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix Criterium

July 13 – Giro di Burnaby Criterium p/b Appia Development

July 14 – PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres

July 15– Tour de White Rock Criterium

Race distances:

Riders will race for approximately 20 minutes (15 minutes plus 2 laps). Boys and girls will race together but will be scored separately.

Registration:

Races are open to all riders, however given the anticipated level of competition and speed of the events it is recommended that participants have some racing experience. Field size will be limited to 50 riders total (boys and girls). Please click here to register.

Competition is open to:

-Girls born in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004

-Boys born in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Equipment:

While not compulsory, a road bike is highly recommended. Bikes must to be in good working order. Any rider with a bike that is deemed by race officials to be unsafe (for example non-functional brakes) will not be allowed to participate. No aero bars, 16 spoke wheel minimum, 40mm max rim depth (no carbon wheels), roll out (7.93 meters, 52×14)

Cost:

For all races in the series entry is free.

Race Technical Guide here.

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 here.

For more information about Global Relay’s Bridge-the-Gap fund, visit here.

For more information about BC Superweek, visit here.

Please Email Andrew Pinfold, andrewjamespinfold@gmail.com for more information.