Port Coquitlam, B.C. becomes part of BC Superweek in 2016 with the PoCo Grand Prix

On July 12, 2016, the city of Port Coquitlam, B.C. will be the latest west coast municipality to join BC Superweek—and it will be an event with an affectionately familiar name for Lower Mainland residents.

As announced this week, the summer of 2016 will be the first for the PoCo Grand Prix.

Representatives from BC Superweek broke the news that Port Coquitlam, 27 km east of Vancouver, has signed a five-year agreement to be a host city for the prestigious B.C. cycling series. As Canada’s biggest such racing series, the role of host city is a high profile one—something that represents a golden opportunity for many reasons, both for city officials and fans.

“The PoCo Grand Prix will be Port Coquitlam’s chance to shine as it exposes our city to spectators and cycling fans from Canada and around the world,” said Greg Moore, the city’s mayor. “This will be a great opportunity to show off our amenities, natural beauty, charming downtown and amazing community spirit. We’re also looking forward to the economic spin-offs that BC Superweek will bring to our city and our local businesses.”

Though the details are currently being finalized, information about the PoCo Grand Prix course suggests a thrilling, elite-level event. A criterium race, it will feature a mass start and a 1.3 km circuit, running for 40-65 laps depending on classification. Competition will involve a field of 200 male and female riders, their numbers speeding them past the anticipated throngs of spectators ever minute. For B.C. cycling fans, no doubt—especially those on the Lower Mainland—it’s going to be a race to remember.

Details about the route itself, specifically, are those still pending. Information currently available on the direction this fast-paced course will take through the city, however, suggest that Shaughnessy Street, Elgin Avenue, Mary Hill Road, McAllister Avenue and Wilson Avenue will see the heat of the action

Members of the Port Coquitlam cycling scene, of course, may be the most thrilled of all to see the new event taking shape.

“When a village or city in Europe is selected to be part of the Tour de France,” said Kelly Hobbis, PoCo Grand Prix advisory committee member and owner of Lower Mainland bike shop chain Westwood Cycle, “it is a true feather in their cap, and the race is embraced by everyone. For Port Coquitlam to be selected as a host city for this international cycling event is very exciting, and Westwood Cycle is thrilled to be part of it.”

The PoCo Grand Prix joins BC Superweek’s other marquee races, including the Tour de Delta, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development, and Beverley by Cressey presents Tour de White Rock.