Canada’s top masters cyclists are en route to Greater Victoria, with the 2025 Canadian Masters Road Cycling Championships set to roll through the region from Aug. 8-10.
The three-day event features a time trial in North Saanich, a hilly road race in Metchosin, and a high-speed criterium in downtown Victoria. It marks the second straight year the national championship touches down in the Capital Region.
Men’s riders will compete across four age-based categories, while the women’s field is divided into three. All competitors are aged 35 and up.
Beyond national titles, riders will be chasing a spot on the global stage – the top 25 per cent in each age group qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. So far, 76 riders have registered across 144 individual event entries.
“These events are not only a celebration of performance but also reflect the reach and vitality of cycling in Canada," said Jen Eaton, events and officials manager at Cycling Canada
Racing opens Friday, Aug. 8 in North Saanich with the individual time trial – a test of raw speed and pacing over two laps of a 20-kilometre course.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, the action shifts to Metchosin for the road race, featuring multiple laps of a rolling 10-kilometre loop with steady climbs and a technical descent.
The championships wrap up Sunday, Aug. 10 with the criterium – a fast, spectator-friendly circuit race around a one-kilometre downtown loop surrounding the Legislature. Riders will go full tilt over dozens of laps in front of a lively crowd.
Greater Victoria continues to grow its reputation as a cycling hotspot.
Langford recently hosted the 2025 Canadian Mountain Bike Championships and is set to do so again in 2026. Saanich welcomed the national cyclo-cross championships in 2022 and 2023.
Traffic disruptions will be in effect throughout the weekend:
-
Friday, Aug. 8 (1-3 p.m.) – North Saanich roads including West Saanich, Birch, Chalet, Lands End and Tatlow will have limited local access.
-
Saturday, Aug. 9 (8 a.m.- 3 p.m.) – Metchosin closures include Rocky Point, Liberty, Labonne, Barrow, Kangaroo and Lindholm roads.
-
Sunday, Aug. 10 (7 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Streets around the BC Legislature – Belleville, Menzies, Government and Superior – will be closed to vehicles. Sidewalks remain open, with monitored crossing points.
