This summer, professional cyclists from around the world will be converging on Vancouver for ten days of exciting races (from July 6 to 15).
Events will be held throughout the Lower Mainland and are free to watch. Some communities are also offering kids’ races so that young cyclists can ride like the pros. It’s a great way to get kids excited about the sport.
After your child crosses the finish line in the kids’ race, stay and enjoy a range of family-friendly festivities and entertainment. And, be sure to take in the professional races. You’ll marvel at the skill, speed, and endurance of cyclists in a breathtaking series of road races.
Our family’s favourite event to watch is the action-packed criterium. “Crits” consist of a short course of less than two kilometres, with cyclists completing many laps at speeds of more than 70 km/hr. They’ll zip by frequently, so pick a spot along the route, and cheer on the athletes as they navigate tight corners and try to break away to claim first place. The pace of the criterium makes this race a crowd-pleaser—just make sure your little ones keep their hands behind the barrier!
All of the kids’ races are free, but some require pre-registration, so check websites below for details. Young racers must bring their own bike and helmet.
1. North Delta Kids Crit – Friday, July 6
Age: 6-8 years
5:45 pm – 1/2 Lap (0.6 km)
Age: 9-11 years
5:50 pm – 1 Lap (1.2 km)
Children are invited to warm up the criterium course for the pros in the Tour de Delta. The professionals will race afterwards, at 6:30 pm (women) and 7:40 pm (men).
The North Delta Community Festival will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Richardson Elementary. Enjoy big-screen live action, entertainers, vendors, a Kids Zone, interactive booths, and more.
For more information: tourdedelta.ca
2. Ladner Kids Crit – Saturday, July 7
Age: Under 6 years
3:45 pm – Chisholm to Bridge, on Delta Street
Age: 6-8 years
4:00 pm – 1 Lap (0.9 km)
Age: 9-11 years
4:15 pm – 2 Laps (1.8 km)
The historic fishing village of Ladner hosts three kids’ races this year, including a new category for children under six years. Professionals tackle the Ladner Criterium at 5:10 pm (men), 6:15 pm (women) and 7:25 pm (men). This course will loop the downtown core.
For more information: tourdedelta.ca
3. Tsawwassen Kids Race – Sunday, July 8
Age: 6-8 years
2:30 p.m. – 1 Lap (0.4 km)
Age: 9-11 years
2:55 p.m. – 3 Laps (1.2 km)
Children can cheer on athletes in the gruelling White Spot Delta UCI 1.2 Road Race at 9:30 am (women) and 1:00 pm (men). Then, it’s time for young cyclists to shine as the kids’ races get underway.
The South Delta Community Festival runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Dennison Park with big-screen live action, entertainers, vendors, a Kids Zone, and more.
For more information: tourdedelta.ca
4. New West Kids Prix – Tuesday, July 10
Age: 4 years and under
One lap
Age: 5 – 6 years
Two laps
Age: 7 – 8 years
Two laps
Age: 9 – 12 years
Three laps
The New West Kids Prix begins at 4:45 pm. There are four heats, and awesome prizes such as a Garneau bike for each age group. Once the children have finished their races, the pros will compete in a criterium in the historic streets of downtown New Westminster at 6:15 pm (women) and 7:30 pm (men).
For more information: newwestgrandprix.com
5. PoCo Grand Prix Kids’ Race – Friday, July 13
Age: 3-5 years
6:00 pm – 100 metres
Age: 6-8 years
6:10 pm – one lap (1.3 km)
Age: 9-12 years
6:25 pm – two laps (2.6 km)
In Port Coquitlam, up-and-coming racers can show off their skills with children’s races in three age groups. Professionals compete before and after the kids, so check the website for the full schedule.
The Kids Zone is open from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, with interactive stations, a photo booth, mini-track, and bike ramps. There is also live entertainment on the mainstage.
For more information: pocograndprix.ca
6. Tour de White Rock Kids Race – Saturday, July 14
Age: 7-10 years
3:30 pm – one lap (1.0 km)
Here’s a chance for children to ride the same one-kilometre criterium course as the professionals in the Tour de White Rock. Once you’ve cheered your child on to the end, stay to watch the pros at 4:30 pm (men), 5:30 pm (women), and 6:30 pm (men).
The Family Fun Zone is open from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm at White Rock Elementary, featuring bike decorating, a bouncy castle, mini-golf and more. There is a bike parade at 3:00 pm for children aged 3-6. Kids can decorate their bike at the Family Fun Zone or bring it to the parade already decked out!
For more information: tourdewhiterock.ca
To learn more about BC Superweek, visit: bcsuperweek.ca
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Category: events
