June 14, 2008 (Toronto, ON) – The Cycle Messenger World Championships (CMWC) is the ultimate urban cycling competition. The strongest, smartest and fastest bike messengers from across the planet converge once a year to determine who is the best in a variety of events that test riders’ physical and mental limits. It is a fully insured competition on a closed course that is sanctioned by the International Federation of Bike Messengers Associations (IFBMA). While most competitors are bike messengers, events are open to everyone, and many non-messengers enjoy the challenge of the competition.

CMWC is a world championship sporting event, but it is also a world festival celebrating messenger culture and its broad influence on modern urban culture, as well as an international conference where messengers can share their diverse experiences and work towards improving working conditions in every city. CMWC hosts a variety of related galas, shows, parties and a vendor market where spectators mingle with messengers to get a jump on the latest bike trends and urban utilitarian fashion. The side events showcase the artistic, photographic, musical and literary talents of the world’s hardest working professional athletes.

Everyone is free to watch the action and enjoy the festival atmosphere and music, while registered participants can compete in their choice of events as well as attend exclusive parties and take advantage of various discounts and complimentary ferry transport provided by CMWC on Saturday and Sunday.

Preliminary Event Schedule*

Wednesday, June 11
* Registration Open 12 Noon at Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Street, until 6pm

Thursday, June 12
* Registration Open 12 Noon at Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Street, until 6pm

Friday, June 13
* IFBMA Open Forum and workshops at the Steel Workers Building, 25 Cecil Street beginning 2:30pm
* World Welcome Party @ Steam Whistle Brewing Roundhouse
* Side events at WWP: Backwards Circles, Foot-down, Bunny Hop
* Messenger Art Gallery open June 1-30 at The Augusta House, 152 Augusta Ave in Kensington Market. Open 4pm to 2am, check racer packet for special CMWC schedule & Art Gallery Party.

Saturday, June 14 on Toronto Island, Hanlan’s Point
* Main Race qualifying racing 9am-6pm
* Bike Polo qualifying rounds 10am-6pm
* Vendor Market 9am-7pm
* Steam Whistle Brewing beer gardens open 11am-9:30pm
* Live Music all afternoon
* Pick-up pedal boat races all day, U-lock “horseshoes” competition
* Live music by NXNE and CMWC 5pm-10pm
* Side events: track stand, slow race, bunny hop 7pm-8pm

Sunday, June 15 on Toronto Island, Hanlan’s Point
* Bike Polo Finals 10am-1pm
* Cargo Race 12noon-1pm
* Main Race Final 1pm-6pm
* Vendor Market 9am-7pm
* Live music all afernoon & evening Noon to 10pm
* Steam Whistle Brewing beer gardens open 11am-9:30pm
* Sprints 6:30pm-8:30pm
* Skids 8:30pm-10pm
* CMWC Awards ceremony 10:00pm

Monday, June 16
* IFBMA Open Forum and workshops 9:30am
* Island Clean-up 12:30pm Meet at the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal
* Art Gallery “Closing” Party for CMWC guests, The Augusta House, 152 Augusta Ave in Kensington Market 7:00pm

Tuesday, June 17
* Track riding at Forest City Velodrome*

*Please note: details of this schedule may change without notice
Track 1 & 2 required to participate. Limited event first come first served.

For more info click here.