2009 Race Details

Celebrate the 30^th Annual Tour de White Rock:  July 17-19, 2009

From world class cycling races to the ever-popular block party and children’s bike parade, residents, visitors and families of all ages are sure to enjoy the fun and excitement of White Rock’s 30^th annual Tour de White Rock taking place July 17 – 19, 2009.

Racing at top speeds throughout the City’s streets, each year over 150 elite cyclists from around the world participate in the renowned cycling competition, which includes a grueling hill climb, a short-circuit speed race and a 130 km endurance road race.

Whether you’re a seasoned race enthusiast or watching your very first “tour,” the thrill of experiencing cyclists rush by at speeds of over 70 kilometres an hour is bound to make you an instant fan. In fact, cycling races are not far off from stock car racing. As in car races, you’ll see racers jostling for position, “drafting” and even the occasional pile-up.

In addition to the races, you can enjoy live music, watch or join in the children’s bike parade along Marine drive or head up town to enjoy the festivities at the Five Corners Block Party, sponsored by the White Rock Business Improvement Association (BIA). And don’t forget to get an autograph or two at the main stage after the awards presentations.

THREE DAYS OF EXCITING, FREE EVENTS: 

Friday, July 17, 2009

7:00 pm

Buena Vista Avenue from Oxford to Foster

GRUELING CHALLENGE:  HOMELIFE REALTY HILL CLIMB

The Hill Climb is an exciting dash to the top of Buena Vista Avenue in the heart of White Rock.  This grueling climb takes brute power and strength to successfully conquer the steep 700-metre ascent. 

Best spots to watch the race:  Any spot on the North side of Buena Vista allows you to cheer on the racers and take in the gorgeous views of Semiahmoo Bay.  Choose to set up halfway up the hill at the first crest near the stage or watch the riders at the finish line at the top of the hill. 

Best places to park: 

Street parking is available on all side streets near the race route.
White Rock Waterfront / Marine Drive ($2/hour):  14500 block to 15700 block
Walk north on Oxford (behind White Rock Muffler) to the start line for the Hill Climb.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

FIVE CORNERS BLOCK PARTY

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Five Corners, 15202 Pacific Avenue

Hosted by the White Rock Business Improvement Association, this open-air block party includes street vendors, entertainment and sidewalk sales for the whole family. 

CHILDRENS BIKE PARADE

1:00 PM

Five Corners, 15202 Pacific Avenue

Bring your bike and join in on the fun. Bike safety is encouraged as kids decorate their wheels with balloons and streamers before parading down Pacific Avenue. Tour de White Rock riders attend and sign autographs for kids. 

Best places to park:

White Rock Elementary, 1273 Fir Street until 2:30 pm. (please note:  the parking lot will be closed at 2:30 pm until after the Criterium race is complete)

White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Ave

CROWD FAVORITE: MAXIMUM COLLISSION CRITERIUM

4:00 PM

Five Corners, 15202 Pacific Avenue

Starting at Five Corners, the crowd favourite Criterium is a short circuit speed race around White Rock Elementary reaching speeds of up to 70 km/hr, racers whip the crowd into a frenzy as they vie for first place overall as well as crowd-contributed cash prizes (don’t forget your loonies and twoonies) known as lap primes (pronounced “preems”). Who will win your vote?

Best spots to watch the race:  Corners are the best places to watch a circuit race but be cautious as these are also where accidents can happen.  The announcer stage will be on Johnston Road at Prospect Ave.

Best places to park: 

Street parking is available on all side streets near the race route. 

White Rock Community Centre:   15154 Russell Ave

Free underground parking. 

White Rock Elementary:  1273 Fir St

Free Parking.  Please note, the parking lot is closed between 2:30 pm and 8:00 pm for the race.  Vehicles will NOT be allowed to enter or exit. 

Sunday, July 19, 2009

A TEST OF ENDURANCE:  PEACE ARCH NEWS ROAD RACE

10:00 AM

White Rock Waterfront

The Tour de White Rock Road Race is one of the most prestigious and historic races in North America.  This race is a grueling 130 km test of endurance and attrition.  Semiahmoo Bay and Mount Baker provide picturesque backdrops as spectators line the waterfront or watch the action from restaurants along Marine Drive.

Best spots to watch the race:  The finish line and announcer stage will be set up on Marine Drive near the Pier washrooms.  The corner of Marine and Vidal is particularly exciting.  Make a reservation at the many Marine Drive Restaurants to enjoy lunch and your best view of the race.  

Do you have a home on the race route?  Invite your friends to a lawn party for the best seats on the route.    

Best places to park:

Semiahmoo Secondary School: 1785 – 148th Street

                Free Parking.  Take the FREE shuttle to the beach every 20 mins. from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. 

Semiahmoo Park Parking Lot:  Parker Street and Marine Drive

                Free Parking.  Take the FREE shuttle to the beach. 

White Rock Waterfront / Marine Drive ($2/hour):  14500 block to 15700 block

Despite the extensive race route and traffic restrictions, the roads to the beach are NOT closed.  Please obey the instructions of our traffic marshals.  They will ensure you get to the beach safely to view the race. 

The best route is south on Oxford Street.  Arrive before 9:00 am on race day for prime parking spots. 
 Vehicles exiting the parking lot will be controlled until after the race is complete to ensure rider safety. 

Road Race Beach Access Map

Road Race East Beach Access Map

30^TH ANNUAL TOUR CELEBRATION

2:00 -3:30

White Rock Beach

Come on out and show your BC spirit down at White Rock beach.  Enjoy live music and meet Olympic Athletes.   Don’t miss a special appearance by the Vancouver 2010 Mascots. 

Be Safe!

When watching the races, please follow these common-sense rules:

• Do not walk or ride on the course at any time, including between races.
• Do not lean out over the fence or sit on the curb with your feet in the road. The racers will sometimes use the entire road without warning.
• If you need to cross the racecourse, make sure to look for oncoming cyclists or support vehicles. The cyclists will be moving just as fast as a car would! Usually, the best time to cross during the race is immediately after the pack of riders has gone by. Do not cross near corners where you cannot see oncoming traffic.
• Avoid sitting too near the road in unfenced areas, particularly near sharp turns. Crashes are an occasional occurrence and a rider may fall off the course.
• Pay close attention to small children or pets to prevent their straying onto the race course.

Make plans to come out and enjoy the fun! We look forward to seeing you at the race.