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release by Share the Road
July 29th, 2010 (Terra Cotta, ON) - Inspired by the exciting finishes of Canadians Ryder Hesjedal and Michael Barry at the Tour de France, competitive riders from across Ontario will be in the community of Terra Cotta, Ontario this weekend for the 6th Annual “Le Tour de Terra Cotta” race event. The “Tour” is a community-based non-profit one day cycling event and is sanctioned by the Ontario Cycling Association.
“Our event’s reputation as a safe, well organized, challenging and fast bike race means that we have been able to attract some of Ontario’s elite racers. Growing and improving the event every year have been among our ongoing objectives, and we are confident that, once again this year, racers and spectators alike are in for a spectacular and exciting race,” said Ian Jay, LTDTC representative.
Event organizers also announced that Eleanor McMahon, CEO and Founder of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition would be on hand for the event’s award ceremony. McMahon founded the Coalition, an Ontario-wide cycling advocacy organization in 2008 following the death of her husband OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart who was killed in a cycling collision in 2006. Sgt. Stobbart was working at the Caledon Detachment when he was killed. Terra Cotta is in Caledon’s detachment area.
“As cyclists, and event organizers we know that our participants are riding on the very roads that Ms. McMahon and her organization are working to make safer and more bicycle-friendly. We fully support her organization and are so pleased that she could join us for this year’s event,” said Jay.
“We know, and our research demonstrates that one of the key components to a bicycle friendly community is the promotion of cycling events. Such events attract visitors to the area, and provide an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to participate in a dynamic community event which promotes fitness, good health and wellness,” said McMahon.
“We appreciate every opportunity to promote safety in cycling and The Tour has prioritized safety from day one. I was pleased to attend last year and so I know that his is an exciting event. Its growing popularity raises the profile of cycling and has a direct link to our interest in building awareness of the importance of safe cycling, cycling tourism, and building a bicycle friendly Ontario,” McMahon added.
The Tour de Terra Cotta is held in the scenic hills of Caledon on the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, adjacent to the Credit River this picturesque setting is reminiscent of a stage of European Road Race. Proceeds from the event will benefit the rebuilding of The Terra Cotta Community Hall a 1863 heritage building located near the race venue.
Further information, including event times, is available at www.letourdeterracotta.com
About The Tour
The Tour is a non-profit grass roots community organized cycling event offering something for ages 8 – 80, racers, participants & spectators alike. Ride organizers aim to provide the best possible experience to all stakeholders, elite racers, new riders, spectators, supporters, and volunteers while engaging full community support.
Scheduled events include the Ontario Youth Cup Series races which were developed to address a gap identified in 2008 for cycling opportunities for youth. The Tour is fully committed to this mandate and added an Ontario Youth Cup Series race to its schedule in 2008 and is proud to be one of the grass roots organizations driving the success of this initiative and celebrate young riders such as Michelle Jay who after participating for fun in the past two years will return this year with a new road specific bike.
For more information on the Ontario Youth Cup Series click here.
About the Share the Road Cycling Coalition
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition is a provi/ncial cycling advocacy organization. Our mission is to make Ontario bicycle friendly for everyone by enhancing access for bicyclists on roads and trails, improving safety for all bicyclists and educating citizens on the value and importance of safe bicycling for healthy lifestyles and communities. In doing so the Coalition represents all cyclists - children, tourists, commuters, recreational riders, mountain bikers and racers.
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