May 26, 2017 (Delta, BC) – The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, PC, MP for Delta, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced the awarding of a $50,000 hosting grant from Sport Canada to the Tour de Delta, which includes the UCI 1.2 White Spot | Delta Road Race, at a media conference yesterday.

“Delta is extremely fortunate to have strong support and partnerships for our community projects and events,” said Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson. “This federal grant will make a big difference in helping us provide two premiere cycling events. We are very grateful to the Government of Canada and the Sport Canada Hosting Program for the generous financial support for the men’s and women’s White Sport | Delta Road Race.”

“I look forward to three days of great racing and hope that everyone will be able to join us on July 7, 8 and 9, as we celebrate 17 years of international caliber cycling, great fun, community pride and spirit,” added Jackson.

The grant is a tremendous contribution to the overall growth of the UCI 1.2 White Spot | Delta Road Race, which was won in 2016 by former Canadian National Road Race champion and reigning Canadian National Time Trial champion Ryan Roth (Silber Pro Cycling). Three-time Canadian National Road Race champion and 2012 Canadian Olympian Joelle Numainville (Cylance Pro Cycling) won the White Spot | Delta Road Race on the women’s side last year.

“Cycling Canada is happy to see the Tour de Delta continue to grow each year as it provides a valuable platform for Canadian athletes, team directors and officials to develop their skills. Events like this inspire our youth and bring communities together,” said Cycling Canada Cyclisme President John Tolkamp.

The purpose of the Sport Canada Hosting Program is to assist sport organizations in hosting international sport events in Canada – which the White Spot | Delta Road Race is considered due to its UCI status.

“At Cycling BC, we are especially pleased that team directors, caravan drivers and local officials are able to access this kind of important training opportunity,” said Cycling BC Executive Director Erin Waugh.

The Hosting Program also delivers economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadian communities like Delta.

“This year’s White Spot | Delta Road Race will feature our largest women’s field to date,” exclaims Race Director Mark Ernsting. “And to continue our philosophy of growing the sport, we have added a para-cycling event on Saturday, July 8th in Ladner. We’re excited to release more details regarding the para-cycling event at a later date.”

The hosting grant has contributed more than $200,000 to the Tour de Delta over the last four years.

BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional road cycling series and features more than $135,000 in prize money with nine races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 7 – 16 this summer and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 7 – 9), New West Grand Prix (July 11), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 12), Giro di Burnaby presented by Appia Development (July 13), PoCo Grand Prix presented by Dominion Lending Centres (July 14), and Steve Nash Fitness World presents Tour de White Rock (July 15 – 16).