June 12, 2006 – Gord Fraser has set his sights on a repeat win at this year’s 26th running of the Tour de Gastown criterium. The three-time Canadian Olympian will be back in Vancouver on July 19th to defend his title against an impressive roster of cyclists from around the world.
“Racing at the Tour de Gastown is always a pleasure, it is an exciting and action-packed event that is one of the highlights of the season for me,” said Gord Fraser. As one of the fastest finishers in the world, Gord will be riding as part of the Health Net team that features some of the most distinguished cyclists in North America. Other team members who have confirmed for this year’s Tour de Gastown include Michael Sayers from Sacramento, California, Doug Ollerenshaw from Portland, Oregon, and Kirk O’Bee, who currently resides and trains in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

The 37-year-old native of Ottawa, Ontario has achieved over 200 career wins around the world and had the privilege of representing Canada at three Olympic Games and five Commonwealth Games. In 2004 he also earned the title of Canadian National Road Champion.

“With Gord’s sprinting style and tactical approach leading the Health Net team this year’s Tour de Gastown will be an intense, thrill-packed race for spectators and fans. The men’s category has some fierce competition with the top riders in the field battling it out on the short course,” said Tour de Gastown’s event director Jonathan Wornell.

The Tour de Gastown is part of BC Superweek, widely regarded as the richest week of racing in Canada. The event attracts a strong international field that features many of the top pro teams in North America, racing in front of the largest crowds of any race in Canada. Past winners of the Tour de Gastown include seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Gina Grain and North Vancouver’s Allison Sydor. Over 35,000 spectators are expected to line the streets of Vancouver for the Tour de Gastown on July 19, 2006.

More information on the Tour de Gastown is available online at www.tourdegastown.com.








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