The New West Grand Prix receives three-year commitment

The New West Grand Prix has received a three-year commitment by the city of New Westminister. The event debuted in 2017 with Florenz Knauer and Kirsti Lay taking the wins in the inaugural edition. The criterium is a part of BC Superweek and the city has decided that after a successful first edition it will remain on the calendar for the next three years.

The 2018 edition will take place on July 10 mid-way through BC Supweek which runs from July 5 to 14. The prestigious event that now runs well beyond a week attracts top North American racers annual with a large prize purse and big crowds.

“Last year’s race was a phenomenal experience for our community,” said New Westminister mayor Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “We received such positive feedback from the community who were amazed by the calibre of the event and racers, and we are excited to bring back another high-quality, family-friendly event.”

The New West Grand Prix is a crit held on a 935 m circuit that takes in the climb of Eighth and Canarvon street followed by a high-speed descent. The race last between 55 and 45 laps meaning spectators get to see a lot of action. In 2017, an estimated 4,000 people lined the course to spectate the action as 185 men and 72 women line-up to race. Additionally, a youth race attracted 170 young riders.

“New Westminster put on a first-class inaugural race that was well received by the athletes and earned the status as the hardest event in the BC Superweek series,” said BC Superweek race director, Mark Ernsting. “Over the next few years, the event will continue to grow and soon become an annual event that families and racers will look forward to attending every July.”