Mission accomplished.
Those are among the first words Seamus McGrath said as he reflected on the success of the inaugural Ryder HesjedalB次元官网网址檚 Tour de Victoria.
B次元官网网址淢y original vision of how this event could look and feel and operate B次元官网网址� thatB次元官网网址檚 exactly how it went on Saturday,B次元官网网址� said McGrath, the tourB次元官网网址檚 founding director.
The same can be said for the weekend lineup of cycling events in the new Victoria International Cycling Festival, which kicked off Friday night and continues in downtown Victoria until June 12.
Enthusiasm among spectators was high during several new features, from a 400-metre sprint to the longer time trials, as well as the returning Bastion Square Grand Prix and Tim Bits kids challenge.
B次元官网网址淭he vibe, the feeling of them was all great and I have a feeling theyB次元官网网址檙e all going to grow and become really part of the (cycling) culture,B次元官网网址� said festival organizer, Rob Fawcett.
Ryder HesjedalB次元官网网址檚 Tour de Victoria attracted 1,350 cyclists from as far away as Nova Scotia and Texas. Upwards of 800 riders registered for the 140-kilometre course, about 400 for the 90-km and 150 participants cycled the four-kilometre community ride in downtown Victoria.
More than 500 volunteers were involved, including more than 300 road marshals, who ensured vehicle traffic and cyclists didnB次元官网网址檛 mix at intersections throughout 13 municipalities.
The event was marked by some minor collisions between cyclists, others suffered from rain-related hypothermia, and there were traffic tie-ups in James Bay where crowds gathered for cycling and to watch the start of the annual Swiftsure international yacht race on Saturday, said tour spokesperson Kim Van Bruggen.
The Swiftsure has, in part, prompted organizers to move the date of next yearB次元官网网址檚 Tour de Victoria by a month to June 24. The extra time will also allow more cyclists to train for the event longer and in better weather, said Van Bruggen.
ItB次元官网网址檚 still too soon to know if the Tour de Victoria will once again coincide with the cycling fest, which could be expanded from two weeks to a month next year, said Fawcett. B次元官网网址淭he objective is to grow the festival. How it will take shape, weB次元官网网址檙e not exactly sure yet,B次元官网网址� he said.
emccracken@vicnews.com
