'We love showing off our beautiful city': Tour de Victoria to bring thousands of riders to local streets
In an already cycling-centric city, Saturday's Tour de Victoria is an event most two-wheeled enthusiasts mark on their calendar.
The 11th Annual Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria will bring over 2,200 bikers of all skill levels to city streets and rural roads as the event returns to its normal August date for the first time in two years.
"We are thrilled to be back hosting the event," said tour director Seamus McGrath.
"We love showing off our beautiful city in the summer," he added. "This year, over 63 per cent of riders are from outside Victoria, with many making the trip from around the world, including the United States, Australia, Mexico and more."
In 2020, the pandemic cancelled the premiere cycling race in the capital region. In 2021, it made a comeback, but not until October.
This year, the ride will return to its original format with distances ranging from an agonizing 160 kilometres to 45-, 30- and 15-kilometre lengths for cyclists of all fitness and skill levels.
"I am so proud to be from Victoria and being part of the Tour de Victoria family," said professional cyclist, Ryder Hesjedal.
"This event brings such an incredible experience to our cycling community in Victoria, and I’m awed by the event each year."
As riders prepare to bask in biking glory this Saturday, with a welcome sunny forecast and a beer gardens at the finish lines, the race will also cause major traffic disruptions.
Tour de Victoria route map for 2022.
From East Sooke to downtown Victoria and Central Saanich, many roads will be either partially or completely closed to vehicle traffic.
The ride features some car-free sections for cyclists, controlled intersections and food and medical services.
The event starts at 7 a.m. next to the B.C. legislature on Belleville St, with the 160-kilometre and 140-kilometre riders, followed throughout the day with the other distances, with last riders being off the course by 3:30 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering
George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.
Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality
A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say
A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say
A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York
An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.
OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.