History

From humble beginnings in 1980 when White Rock saw its first bicycle race with 35 participants and 20 volunteers, to an international race attracting over 150 high caliber cyclists from across Canada, the United States, and Europe, the Tour de White Rock has become a hot spot event for professional cycling teams, fans and the media. The Tour de White Rock is recognized internationally for its tradition of superb organization and race routes that raise the bar for endurance and tactics.

The Tour de White Rock is open to both male and female cyclists, competing for over $15,000 in cash prizes. Past winners have included Olympians Brian Walton, Alison Sydor and Warren Sallenback; Paul Tettamanti (also known as "Mr. White Rock"); Tour de France stage winner Alex Stieda; and World Mountain Bike Champion Roland Green.

The organizers of Tour de White Rock are once again combining forces with the the Tour de Delta to bring to you BC Superweek from July 10-19. This combination of 6 races in 9 days offers an amazing week of competition on cyclists' calendars. The four events offer over $40,000 in combined prize money.

The 2009 Tour de White Rock will wrap-up BC Superweek on Friday, July 17, Saturday July 18, and Sunday, July 19. The weekend includes a grueling Hill Climb event with riders off at one-minute intervals racing side by side to be the first to climb 700 metres of a 16% grade. Cyclists and spectators can enjoy the Homelife Benchmark Hill Climb event on Friday, July 17 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The competitors begin the arduous sprint uphill on Buena Vista Ave at Oxford Street and end just beyond Martin Street. All categories of Women and the Men's Pro, 1 & 2 riders will be eligible to compete in this event.

The exciting shoulder-to-shoulder sprints of the Criterium are set for Saturday July 18. This late afternoon Criterium is a one-kilometer circuit at Johnston Road and Roper Avenue that starts with the Women's Race (all categories) at 3:00PM. Men’s Pro Race follows at 4:00PM which will include Professional and Category 1/2 cyclists. These races provide many thrilling moments as competitors surge ahead to chase cash in the prime (pronounced ‘preem’) laps. Being in the lead pack and maneuvering for position is as exhilarating for the competitors as it is for the spectators.

The race weekend will wrap-up with the renowned Road Race, which takes cyclists through the beautiful landscapes of lower White Rock, and along 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 8:00am Sunday morning, July 19, leaving from the start/finish line at Marine Drive and the Pier.




Photos are courtesy of White Rock Museum & Archives.