The Heights can be chaotic with crowds and cyclists at the annual Giro di Burnaby on Hastings Street, but there’s an easy way to plan for the event – the Giro’s website.
The website, at www.girodiburnaby.com, has been developed and expanded by Greg Dion, media relations manager for the event.
This year, the site includes detailed information on the event, including the day’s schedule, the Girolino and the Giro Breve, and tips on how best to enjoy the races.
The Girolino page has information on how to register for the kids’ zone, which runs from 3 to 5 p.m. (call Eileen Dailly Pool at 604-298-7946 or register online at www.burnaby.ca/webreg with the barcode, 367304), the cost ($2) and tips (such as kids must bring a helmet, and have a caregiver on hand, to participate).
The section on the Giro Breve, a youth race taking place at 5:30 p.m. on July 16, gives all the necessary details for those wanting to participate, including a link where young cyclists can register for the event; www.grbridgethegap.com/bc-youth-superweek.
“The Giro Breve youth race is a fantastic addition to the event this year. Our mandate has always been to add as much community value as we can to the Giro,” Dion said in a press release. “To have the opportunity to give young, up-and-coming riders a chance to get out on the course next to the professionals - we’re very excited about that.”
There is also a section for local businesses interested in becoming vendors at the Giro Expo, which kicks off at 5 p.m.
Riders wishing to participate in the men’s and women’s races can find detailed information, including a breakdown of the prize purse for the women’s and men’s races – $14,995 in all – as well as the full results from last year’s races.
Dion is also providing profiles of riders who’ll be taking part in the races in his Why I Ride segment on the Giro’s blog.
The first rider to be profiled is Anika Todd, a cyclist with TIBCO-SVB. Todd only started riding road bikes three years ago, according to her profile, and will be participating in her third Giro di Burnaby this year.
“I love competing and I love travelling. Cycling has taken me all over the world and given me the opportunity to challenge myself both physically and mentally in countless spectacular races,” Todd tells Dion for the piece. “Every race is so unique; from the terrain to the tactics to the weather conditions, every race is different making cycling the most complex sport I have ever competed. It never gets boring!”
The website also includes news on other B.C. Superweek events, information on the sponsor Appia Developments, volunteer information, video of previous races, photos and more.
