Tour de White Rock : 2001

In 1980 White Rock saw its first bicycle race with 35 participants and 20 volunteers. Over the years, the community has watched the Tour de White Rock grow to a national race, attracting over 150 high caliber cyclists from across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.

Now, in its 22nd year of hosting the Tour de White Rock, the organizers are combining forces with the Corporation of Delta who is organizing the Tour de Delta. The combination of the races will offer cyclists a two-week series of summer cycling that should serve as a boon to aspiring young riders and local professionals. The two events offer a combined total of $20,000 in prize money

The 2001 Tour de White Rock will offer cyclists a grueling Hill Climb event as well as the high speed Criterium Circuit and the endurance Road Race. The Hill Climb event will set riders off at one-minute intervals to climb 700 metres of a 16% grade. Cyclists and spectators can enjoy the Hill Climb event on Friday evening, July 13th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The competitors begin the arduous sprint uphill on Buena Vista at Oxford Street and end just beyond Martin Street. All categories of Women and the Men’s Pro, 1, 2 & 3 riders will be eligible to compete in this event.

The exciting shoulder-to-shoulder sprints of the Criterium Circuit are set for Saturday, July 14th, with the Men’s Cat 4/5 race kicking off the event at 3:00 p.m., followed by the Women’s Race (all categories) at 4:00 p.m. The last group to hit the one-kilometre circuit at Johnston Road and Roper Avenue is the Men’s Pro Race, which will include Pro, 1, 2 & 3 cyclists to fill the field. These races provide many thrilling moments as competitors surge ahead to chase cash in the Hot Lap challenges. Being in the lead pack and maneuvering for position is as exhilarating for the competitors as it is for the keen spectators.

The race weekend will wrap up with the renowned Tour de White Rock Road Race, which takes cyclists through the beautiful landscapes of lower White Rock, and along the popular Semiahmoo Bay. The long, steep climbs, sharp turns, and quick descents along this course demand keen attention, clever tactics, and toughness known to seasoned cyclists. The Men’s Road Race sets off five minutes ahead of the Women’s at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, July 15th. Leaving from a start/finish line at Marine Drive and the Pier, competitors in the Men’s categories will cycle 130 kilometers and those in the Women’s categories will cycle 82 kilometers.

Tour 2001 At-A-Glance:

White Rock Muffler Hill Climb: Friday, July 13th. Start time – 6:00 p.m.
Starts line: Buena Vista Street @ Oxford Street, White Rock

Criterium Circuit: Saturday, July 14th. Start time – 3:00 p.m.
Start/Finish line: Prospect Avenue and Johnston Road, White Rock

The Peace Arch News Road Race: Sunday, July 15th. Start time – 8:00 a.m.
Start/Finish line: Marine Drive – Head of the Pier, White Rock