BURST
Organizers of the Tour de Concord cycling celebration have announced its return to Vancouver this summer.
The criterium bike races and family festival hosted by Concord Pacific will take over Concord Pacific Place on Sunday, July 13.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim got into the spirit this week by letting a cyclist perform a stunt jump over him as he lay on the ground at the festival site. No municipal politicians were harmed in the making of this promotion.
“We’re excited to welcome the Tour de Concord back to Vancouver for its fifth year,” said Sim. “It has become the largest one-day criterium and community bike festival in the country, and the best part is that it’s completely free and open to everyone.”
Besides races, there are giveaways including a four-day getaway at the Westin Bayshore and Sundial Hotel in Whistler, bike tune-ups from MEC, trick riders, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment and DJs on a central stage, and a charity race to benefit St. Paul’s Hospital.
The event runs from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and starts with kids, youth and family races, then amateur races and finally a women’s and men’s pro criterium on a fully contained, upgraded, 900-metre course.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Blvd. (north shore of False Creek, between Science World and Rogers Arena).
When: Sunday, July 13, 9:55 a.m. to 3 p.m.
9:55 a.m.: Youth race (ages 13-17)
10:25 a.m.: Women’s amateur race
11:05 a.m. Men’s amateur race
11:45 a.m.: Kids’ ride (ages 7-12)
11:55 a.m.: Kids’ (ages 3-6) and parent relay
12:10 p.m.: Women’s pro race
1:05 p.m.: Charity races
2 p.m.: Men’s pro race
3 p.m.: Awards, closing remarks
Parking: Free parking for spectators and athletes at lots on Pacific Boulevard and Carrall Street.