Riders will be hitting the pavement for the road race portion of the 14th Annual Tour de Bowness Aug. 8 north of Cochrane.
Starting at the Weedon Pioneer Community Hall, the 22-kilometre route will turn and head north along Township Road 45 and 50 until the turnaround point at Township Road 284.
“It’s a nice, smooth, well-defined route,” race organizer Bob Grunewald said.
He said race watchers would get the pleasure of seeing up-and-coming riders who show serious potential.
“Watching some of these racers, you’re looking at possible future Olympians.”
A number of high-level participants are returning or taking part for the first time.
Professional racers Natasha Elliott of Team SAS/Mazda and Derrick St-John of Silber Pro Cycle return this year. Canmore’s Sara Poidevin, who competed in the 2014 Junior Road World Championships, will make her return as well. Langlois Brown Racing, a competitive cycling squad from Vancouver, will be joining the ride this year.
Grunewald said “feedzone” at the Township Road 274-Horse Creek Road intersection would provide an exciting place for race watchers. Riders entering the zone will grab water bottles from the outstretched hands from family and friends without stopping.
All race participants are required to sign on at the Weedon Hall at least 15 minutes prior to their start time. Racers who have not done so already must present their licence to the technical delegate to receive numbers.
Along with the road race, the Tour de Bowness includes a hill climb at Canada Olympic Park Aug. 2 and a speed race on a short circuit called ‘Criterium’ in Bowness in Calgary Aug. 3.
Registration deadline is July 31. For more information on registration, race details and volunteer sign up, visit tourdebowness.com.
