New course for 2023 Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix
50th anniversary of race takes place in July
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Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix Society
On Wednesday, the Gastown Grand Prix unveiled a new course for the 50th anniversary edition which takes place on July 12, 2023.
“We are delighted to present the new course for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix,” race director Mark Ernsting said. “The course offers a fresh and exhilarating experience for riders, challenging them with its unique features and cobblestone streets. We believe this layout will captivate spectators and showcase the best of Gastown’s historic atmosphere.”
The redesigned racecourse is 1.3 km, and will have both technical sections and high-speed straightaways. The course will also showcase some of the architecture and historic charm of Gastown, along with lots of spectators lining the streets to cheer on the riders. Many of Canada’s cycling greats have raced the crit, including Ron Hayman, Alex Stieda, Svein Tuft, Brian Walton, Alison Sydor, Gina Grain, and Clara Hughes.
The start-finish line remains at the corner of Cambie Street and Water Street, next to the Gastown steam clock. From there, riders head west on Water Street to Richards Street where a hairpin turn takes them onto West Cordova east to Columbia. Riders will then make a left on Columbia Street and ride one block north to Powell Street where they race onto Water Street back towards the start-finish line and main stage.
