Cycling enthusiasts on Vancouver Island have something to look forward to as the 10th annual Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria is planning on hosting an in-person cycling event this coming October.
The Tour de Victoria, presented by Scotiabank, has shifted the event from its typical timeslot in August and pushed it back to October 2 this year due to the pandemic.
“Our 10th annual event was supposed to happen in August 2020 but, of course, was postponed due the pandemic,” explained ride director Seamus McGrath. “We are extremely happy at the prospect of bringing the live event back to our cycling community this October to celebrate not only 10 years, but also the return to some normalcy after a tough year.”
The Tour de Victoria is a cycling event with eight different distances that participants can choose to ride: 160km, 140km, 100km, 60km, 45km, 30km, 15km and Ryder’s Kids Ride.
Organizers of the event say that the 2021 edition will feature a few changes as well, including some course upgrades. Organizers are also hoping that a new collection of riders come out to this event after cycling saw a rise in popularity over the course of the pandemic.
“Without a doubt, cycling took off in the last 16 months as people looked for new ways to stay fit and safe during the pandemic” stated Ryder Hesjedal, Canadian cycling icon and winner of the Giro d’Italia 2012. “I look forward to seeing this ever-growing community of riders come out and enjoy the world-class riding experience of the Tour de Victoria.”
Riders have until midnight July 31 to register before prices increase, says the Tour de Victoria organizers.
All riders that sign up for the event will receive a shirt, Endur socks as well as a finisher’s medal.
The event will operate under the direction of the BC Provincial Health Authority’s health protocols.
More information can be found at https://tourdevictoria.com/.
CHEK News
