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BC Superweek cancelled for 2021

Organizers cite ongoing safety concerns, look ahead to 2022

Photo by: Scott Robarts

Canadian racers and fans will have to wait one more year for the return of BC Superweek. Organizers announced Tuesday the weeklong pro road race series, which features the iconic Gastown Grand Prix, will be postponed until 2022, at the earliest.

Ongoing safety concerns cause cancellation

The reason is no surprise, of course. With the ongoing pandemic still causing uncertainty and Superweek requiring a massive coordination effort across multiple Greater Vancouver area municipalities, organizers made the heavy call to wait another year.

“Amid the pandemic, there was a lot of deliberation among the BC Superweek members about the status of this year’s series. The well-being of everyone involved was the top consideration, and the members look forward to bringing the series back once it is safe to do so,” said BC Superweek Series Director Mark Ernsting.

BC Superweek is always an excellent opportunity for aspiring Canadian racers to line up against some of North America’s top riders. With the Canada-U.S. border still closed, many of the top N.A. teams could have faced difficulty getting to B.C. for races.

BC Superweek organizers are already in discussion with the various municipalities to bring the series back for 2022

You can read the organizers full statement below.

Sara Bergen on the front at the 2018 Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix. Photo: Scott Robarts
BC Superweek Pro Cycling Series cancelled for 2021

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BC Superweek has postponed the annual professional cycling series until July 2022 at the earliest.

The decision to postpone the event another year was not made lightly by BC Superweek members, but the safety of athletes and spectators is their top concern. The series is an important annual tradition for cyclists and communities alike and BC Superweek wants to continue to provide race opportunities for the next generation of cyclists.

“Amid the pandemic, there was a lot of deliberation among the BC Superweek members about the status of this year’s series. The well-being of everyone involved was the top consideration, and the members look forward to bringing the series back once it is safe to do so,” said BC Superweek Series Director Mark Ernsting.

Because the races that make up BC Superweek require significant planning, the uncertainty of the coming months makes it difficult for organizing teams to make the necessary arrangements normally required at this time.

By making professional cycling accessible to communities, BC Superweek annually attracts tens of thousands of spectators. While showcasing professional athletes at a grassroots level, the series is also a great opportunity to engage its communities and for future generations of cyclists to get involved.

BC Superweek members also respect that many businesses and partners are affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic, and unable to make sponsorship commitments at this time. Fortunately, many regular sponsors spoke positively about potentially supporting future BC Superweek events.

Individual city budgets for next year are in preliminary discussions as well, so BC Superweek members hope to be able to confirm the status of the 2022 series later this fall.

The Tour de Delta, New West Grand Prix, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby, PoCo Grand Prix, and the Tour de White Rock wish everyone a safe and healthy 2021.