The inaugural edition of the PoCo Grand Prix, part of BC Superweek, moved to July 15, 2016

With a revised kick-off date of Friday, July 15 announced for the PoCo Grand Prix, a new event during BC Superweek happening in Port Coquitlam, B.C., the inaugural competition has definitely received a boost of momentum. Coming at the end of the week, the competition is likely to draw more spectators—and for the community at large, more visitors to the Lower Mainland city.

B.C. Superweek, as followers of the Canadian road riding scene are aware, happens annually in July throughout the Metro Vancouver area. As of the 2016 season, it’s quickly become Canada’s premier professional road racing series.

In addition to the PoCo Grand Prix, about which Canadian Cycling Magazine recently reported, 2016’s calendar of competition at BC Superweek includes four other events: the Tour de Delta, the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, the Giro di Burnaby and the Tour de White Rock. As a result of the date change for the PoCo Grand Prix—originally scheduled to be held on a Tuesday, but moved to Friday, July 15 to “enhance the series,” organizers said—the week-long racing series will now run from July 8 to 17, with a brighter spotlight on the Port Coquitlam competition.

Already, thousands are expected to attend the mass-start, 1.3-kilometre criterium, where 200 top male and female riders will compete through 40 to 65 laps of racing. Putting the event on a Friday, officials hope, will draw an even bigger presence to PoCo’s downtown streets.

“It’s wonderful news,” said the city’s mayor, Greg Moore, “and it’s coming at a great time, because we’re gearing up now to get sponsors, volunteers and the entire community involved in the PoCo Grand Prix. We expect the Friday date to help attract more spectators to our event, and we’re hoping visitors will stick around for the weekend following this free, fun event to find out what else Port Coquitlam has to offer.

“We couldn’t be happier,” he said.

In addition to the criterium, the PoCo Grand Prix will include other attractions for the community and spectators, like live entertainment, a beer garden, a VIP tent and a Kids’ Zone, among others. For riders of other classifications, meanwhile, there will also be a kids’ race and a youth race, as well as a Corporate Challenge race. At the competitive level, the race’s principals see the schedule change as a golden opportunity to further the athletic mission of BC Superweek itself.

“BC Superweek,” said race director Mark Ernsting, “is committed to hosting the best series of professional cycling events in North America. The goal is to provide a first class experience to the athletes, sponsors and communities that host this series. We feel with this new schedule that it will allow us to provide an enhanced experience as the series continues to evolve and grow.”

For those interested in volunteering, information and online registration for the PoCo Grand Prix can be found online at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer.