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World-class cyclists will roll into town this weekend for the 11th edition of the Tour de Delta.
"We've got probably the deepest pro field in the history of the event coming out," says Tour de Delta race director Mark Ernsting, who noted that additions to B.C. Superweek have made it more attractive for teams to come to B.C. to compete.
Around 200 riders, both male and female, are expected to descend on Delta to compete in three separate races for a total of $25,000, the richest cycling purse in Canada.
It's a kick-off to B.C. Superweek, which also includes the UBC Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby and Tour de White Rock.
The first decade of the Tour de Delta drew impressive international fields, including Olympians, national champions and other celebrated riders, a trend that will continue this year.
The race weekend will commence tonight at 6:30 p.m. with the first-ever MK Delta Criterium.
North Delta has always played host to the opening race of the Tour de Delta on Friday evening, originally a hill climb and most recently a prologue, but this year it has become a criterium.
"The change was made because we wanted to give an opportunity for the community to become more engaged and give a platform that allows for a bit more of an entertainment event not only from the race side of things but also for the activities that we have planned around the event," says Ernsting, noting there will be things for kids to do as well as different kiosks and sponsor booths.
A criterium is a road race of several laps on a short circuit, usually city streets closed to traffic, featuring high-speed cornering and close up action.
The 1.3-kilometre loop around the Social Heart area of North Delta will include a fast downhill section that will see racers reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.
On Saturday, beginning at 5:15 p.m., Ladner Village will host the popular Brenco Criterium. It's become a fan favourite as a picturesque setting and breakneck speeds combine to create a flash of colour as riders navigate the streets.
The weekend will conclude on Sunday morning with the White Spot Road Race, a mass-start event encompassing the communities of North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen.
The men's route, which was designed by Olympian Brian Walton and local cyclist Jamie Davidson, will be a true test of endurance for any top cyclist. It begins in North Delta, passes through Ladner, incorporates the flat, often windy farmlands of the Fraser River delta and concludes on a circuit that integrates Tsawwassen's most challenging climbs for a total distance of 140 kilometres.
The women's race starts and finishes in Tsawwassen, covering 88 kilometres.
The Tour de Delta weekend isn't all about the serious cyclist. A pair of Kids Crits, prior to the criteriums in North Delta and Ladner, will allow youngsters to warm up the courses for the pros.
There will be a variety of food, activities and entertainment on the grounds of Richardson Elementary during the MK Delta Criterium on Friday evening, while the Tsawwassen Rotary Club will host a pancake breakfast at Winskill Park on Sunday morning.
For more information on the Tour de Delta, visit www.tourdedelta.com.
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