Serious cyclists will lap the legislature in Victoria Sunday as they compete in a multi-lap racing format to claim the title of B.C. Criterium Champion.
The Agency Grand Prix features competitive cyclists from all over the province in a series of nine races throughout the day – consisting of both age and ability level categories – and culminates in the elite championship races starting at 2:15 p.m.
A criterium is a bicycle race that involves riding multiple laps on an enclosed circuit. Competitors race in a group and achieve speeds beyond 50 km/h while negotiating tight turns. Music and race announcers provide entertainment as well as play-by-play commentary.
The event is a continuation of more than 30 years of bicycle racing history in the capital city starting with the Bastion Square Grand Prix (1992-2008) and the Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series (2010-2019), according to a news release.
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It has spearheaded and complemented the professional cycling careers of some of Canada’s top Victoria-based cyclists, including Rob Britton, Ryder Hesjedal, Gillian Carlton, Alison Sydor, Melanie McQuaid, Riley Pickrell and Sara Van Dam.
This year’s event includes a kids bicycle skill zone, youth race, bicycle polo tournament, beer garden and a classic bike show.
Cycle polo is a team sport similar to the traditional sport except players ride bikes instead of horses. Two teams of three use mallets to get a small ball into a goal and games last roughly 10 to 15 minutes. The Capital City Classic bicycle polo runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Belleville and Menzies streets.
The classic bike show – open to bicycles that meet the requirements of a collector or vintage bicycle usually 25 or older – runs at the Fairmont Empress from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cycling BC Hop On For Kids expo, where kids can learn some new bike skills with certified instructors and a challenge course, runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the legislature.
Criterium races roll 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find the full schedule at victoriabikerace.com.
