June 18, 2003 – In the past, some have considered the SISU BC Cup Series as an emerging Championship, offering challenges only to the developing racer. How things have changed in only a few short yearsS
Most can't believe the all-out speed of the races, or the intensity levels of the province's best road racers. BC racing has developed its own style; Flat out and very aggressive from the gun. Racing outside of the province is somewhat more controlled, with strategic attacks and well-planned blocking techniques. In BC, riders attack at every opportunity, then, unleash a counter-attack on top of their last attack. The “faster the better” seems to be the motto of the riders competing in the SISU BC Cup Series. This may be the reason why BC produces many of Canada's best cyclists, and, perhaps the reason why BC athletes continually make up the backbone of Canada's National Teams.
The remaining events in the SISU BC Cup Series – perhaps the toughest, most prestigious, and definitely among the richest 10 days of racing in Canada – collectively known as SuperWeek; A week of racing that brings North America's top teams together to vie for over $30 000 in cash and prizes over seven events. SuperWeek, Tour de White Rock in particular, also has the distinct honor of crowning the overall SISU BC Cup Champion, in front of thousands of spectators and media.
Launching SuperWeek July 18th, the Tour de Delta, in its third year, has enjoyed tremendous success thanks to the vision and support of the entire community – from the crowds that line the streets, the hundreds of volunteers, to Mayor Lois Jackson's enthusiastic support; community pride is evident throughout the three days of racing. The Tour's grueling three-stage format is host to a hill climb, downtown criterium, and an unforgettable road race, all of which are attacked by the fastest riders on the continent. For complete Tour de Delta details, please go to http://www.tourdedelta.com.
New to the SISU BC Cup Series, and encompassed within SuperWeek, the marked return of the Tour de Gastown is a spectacular twilight criterium set on the historic cobblestones of Gastown, in the heart of Vancouver's business center. The Tour de Gastown is a celebration of brute horsepower and speed that was witnessed by over 24 000 screaming spectators in its returning year! This prestige event will award SISU BC Cup points to the top 3 BC licenced riders, only adding to what is sure to be the fastest race in Canada! With sprint speeds in excess of 65km/hr, the blur of riders negotiating slick cobbles along a technical course, the Tour de Gastown will entertain even the most demanding adrenaline junkies. Get up close and personal with the Tour de Gastown, visit www.tourdegastown.com.
Bringing SuperWeek and the SISU BC Cup Series to a finale, the Tour de White Rock, going into its 24th year, is perhaps the most established race in the country – And what a show it puts on! Mimicking the events of the previous week's Delta races, with a tremendously challenging hill climb up the steep bluffs of White Rock, a Criterium held in the center of the community, and an epic, 140km road race that stretches its way along the sandy beaches of Crescent Beach before heading into the hills of White Rock. Standing in the way of potential victors of the road race, is Magdalen Avenue; a steep, snaking grade that shatters the peloton from the first lap to the tenth. The Magdalen Avenue climb, coupled with Columbia Avenue on the backside of the course, where King and Queen of the Mountains are named, are just two elements playing pivotal roles in this race. The two climbs together help to determine which riders will taste success, and the key to many riders' demise. For complete Tour de White details, go to http://www.city.whiterock.bc.ca/.