ATB Tour of Alberta ceasing operations after five years running
Canadian UCI stage race cites lack of funding as cause of events cancellation

There will be no sixth edition of the Tour of Alberta in 2018. Citing financial difficulties and loss of traditional fundraising sources, the Alberta Peloton Association announced today it would cease operations and all future events would be discontinued. The UCI stage race ran for five consecutive years, visiting 29 communities in locations across Alberta.
“The ATB Tour of Alberta was one of North America’s top cycling events and brought some of the world’s best cyclists to the Province of Alberta,” said Board Chair, Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson. “We are very proud of the positive impact this event has had in showcasing Alberta’s people, communities, and landscapes to the world.”

The event began in 2013 as a six day stage race, when an ascendant Peter Sagan won three stages, and Garmin-Sharp’s Rohan Dennis claimed overall victory. Other past winners have included Daryl Impey, Bauke Mollema, and Robin Carpenter.
Along with presenting cycling’s international stars to viewers in Alberta, Tour of Alberta was chance for upcoming Canadian cyclists to line up against WorldTour teams. Rally Cycling’s Canadian-heavy squad had an especially strong showing in 2017, dominating the opening stage to Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park. The team fought hard in the following days, carrying Evan Huffman to the overall win.

By Tour of Alberta’s final year, though, the race had dropped from six days to four. Cannondale-Drapac was the only WorldTour team to attend the event in 2017, racing against North America’s best Continental squads from U.S. and Canada.
Jeffrey added, “This decision did not come easily, however with the current economic conditions and decreases in traditional funding sources, we had no other option. We wish to express our sincere thanks to the partners, communities, vendors, volunteers, staff, cyclists, teams and fans that made the ATB Tour of Alberta a success over the last five years.”
