More than $300,000 contributed to the event over the last six years
Delta, BC – At a news conference today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, PC Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, and Member of Parliament for Delta, announced the awarding of a $50,000 hosting grant from Sport Canada to the Tour de Delta, which includes the UCI 1.2 White Spot | Delta Road Race.
“An esteemed international athletic event like the Tour de Delta is only possible through our community partners and countless volunteers,” said City of Delta Mayor George V. Harvie. “The $50,000 hosting grant from the Government of Canada, the Sport Canada Hosting Program, and Cycling Canada is a shining example of the incredible support we’ve received to make this event a perennial success.”
The grant is a tremendous contribution to the overall growth of the UCI 1.2 White Spot | Delta Road Race, which was won in 2018 by Victoria, BC rider Adam de Vos (Rally UHC Cycling). On the women’s side, three-time US national champion Kendall Ryan (Team TIBCO – Silicon Valley Bank) is the back-to-back defending champion at the White Spot | Delta Road Race.
“At Cycling Canada, we’re very supportive of the White Spot UCI Road Race. It gives Canada the exposure we need in order to build the sport,” added Cycling Canada President Pierre Laflamme. “Not only does the event promote cycling as a competitive sport, but also encourage others to ride their bikes.”
The purpose of the Sport Canada Hosting Program is to assist sport organizations in hosting international sport events in Canada. The White Spot | Delta Road Race is considered one due to its UCI status.
“Sport Canada’s continued support of the Tour de Delta is a testament to the event’s caliber and impact. Cycling BC echoes this confidence and is proud to support this marquee event in our calendar,” said Cycling BC Executive Director Erin Waugh. “For our up-and-coming athletes, this race on home soil is something to aspire to and BC Superweek’s support of youth cycling gives riders a unique opportunity to race in front of cycling fans across the Lower Mainland.”
The Hosting Program also delivers economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadian communities like Delta.
“As the only UCI Road Race in Western Canada for both men and women, this event provides an incredible opportunity for Canadian athletes to compete against international riders,” said Tour de Delta Race Director Mark Ernsting.
BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional road cycling series and features more than $140,000 in prize money with nine races over ten days. BC Superweek runs from July 5 – 14 and is made up of the Tour de Delta (July 5 – 7), New West Grand Prix (July 9), Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 10), Giro di Burnaby presented by Appia Development (July 11), PoCo Grand Prix presented by Dominion Lending Centres (July 12), and Tour de White Rock presented by Landmark Premiere Properties (July 13 – 14).
In the photo above, from left to right:
- Councillor Dylan Kruger
- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services, Procurement and Accessibility, and Member of Parliament for Delta
- His Worship, Mayor George V. Harvie
- Cathy Tostenson, Vice President Marketing & Menu Development, White Spot Hospitality
- Councillor Dan Copeland, Vice-Chair, Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission
- Mark Ernsting, Tour de Delta Race Director, on behalf of Cycling Canada
- Jerrick Barroso, Communications Manager, Cycling BC
