It was an exciting day for many cyclists.
That’s because the highly anticipated Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria made its return on Saturday after being cancelled last year due to COVID-19.
This year’s event marked the delayed 10th anniversary of Tour de Victoria and saw more than 2,000 people participate — one of the event’s biggest turnouts — in the largest one-day cycling event in the city.
Anyone of any age and ability can participate in the event and while kids rode for free, some registrants paid up to $230 to bike for 160 kilometres — the longest route the event offered.
“It’s a ride, not a race,” Eliel Gomez, Tour de Victoria’s event manager.
The event, which is organized by the Ryders Cycling Society of Canada, a non-profit organization that is committed to promoting and supporting cycling nationwide, is designed to encourage people to become more active and cycle.
Despite the huge number of registered participants, organizers had to deal with a number of uncertainties as the pandemic is still ongoing.
“You don’t know when you’re going to get shut down at the end of the day or anytime, but at the end, just being able to live through this. It’s such an adrenaline rush,” said Gomez.
The event is also a fundraiser, with proceeds donated to charities including Opportunity International Canada and World Bicycle Relief.
Thousands of cyclists of all ages and skill levels took part in the Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria event on Saturday.
Tahmina Aziz
