The sound of hundreds of road racing cyclists whirling around downtown Port Coquitlam will be heard again this summer.
And volunteers and sponsors are now being sought to make the 4th annual PoCo Grand Prix a success.
Last week, the city hosted a meet-and-greet for businesses wanting to get involved in the July 12 bike competition and street festival, which last year attracted nearly 10,000 spectators.
Businesses have several ways to benefit from the action, from taking part in the trade expo to having exclusive naming rights. In exchange, and depending on the commitment level, companies can gain exposure through marketing and get VIP seats.
Meanwhile, at least 200 volunteers are required to help with event set-up and take down, and to lend a hand as drivers for pace vehicles, First Aid attendants and marshals, for example.
The race schedule has changed slightly this year to accommodate downtown retailers and service providers: Roads will be closed at 3:30 p.m. for the first race starting at 4 p.m. and the last sprint wrapping up at 10 p.m.
As well, the course track will run in the opposite direction, circling clockwise from the Shaughnessy Street stage. And, to meet demand, the highly popular kids’ race will be an hour long; parents can sign up their young cyclists (ages 3 to 12) for free, beginning June 1.
As a result of the tighter times, the Corporate Challenge will also be cancelled.
The PoCo Grand Prix is one of six events in the BC Superweek — Canada’s largest professional road cycling series — happening July 5 to 14 in Metro Vancouver. The other races are: Tour de Delta, New West Grand Prix, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, Giro di Burnaby and Tour de White Rock.
• To volunteer or sponsor, visit pocograndprix.ca.
