March 17, 2008 (Banff, Alberta) — A first for Banff National Park and sanctioned by the Alberta Bicycling Association (ABA), Banff will host a one km criterium road race on June 21, 2008. Cyclists are expected to race wheel to wheel through the streets of Banff during Banff National Park’s Bike Fest. The one-hour criterium race is a high-adrenaline test of wits, willpower and tactics that is expected to draw thousands of spectators.

“We are looking forward to working with the Town of Banff to put on the finest bike racing event in the Canadian Rockies,” said Julie Canning, president and CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Permit applications to Parks Canada have also been made to stage individual time trials and a scenic road race that weekend.

“We are just thrilled about this new event for Banff. Residents and visitors have enjoyed cycling in and around our community for as long as I can remember, but this will be the first time we will have a high calibre road racing event right in our community,” says Town of Banff Mayor John Stutz.

“You don’t have to know anything about bike racing to know that they’ll be handling those corners at high speeds,” says ABA’s Scott Kelly. “What the Banff race has that no other race has is the awesome scenery and spectacular location. It’s unlike anywhere in North America and it epitomizes what bike racing in Alberta should be about,” says Kelly.

The popularity of road biking in North America has exploded in the last 10 years following seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong’s success and his battle with cancer. Licensed bike racers compete for points in various categories throughout the summer, from professional teams with a convoy of repair techs and equipment vans, to weekend warriors with families in tow.

You can find complete information on Banff National Park Bike Fest at banfflakelouise.com/bikefest.. Visit our website for additional information on hotels, activities, restaurants, events, and more.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership. General media inquiries, please contact Annik LaRoche, Manage, Media Relations at 1.403.762.0290 or annik@banfflakelouise.com. www.banfflakelouise.com.