Economy, lack of funding shutter Tour of Alberta
In five years, event hosted more than 500 professional cyclists from 33 nations
The Tour of Alberta has reached a dead end.
After five years hosting the international cycling event, the Alberta Peleton Association will cease operations, according to a news release Thursday.
“This decision did not come easily; however, with the current economic conditions and decreases in traditional funding sources, we had no other option,” board chair Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson said in the release.
The tour began in 2013 and throughout its tenure, the event was showcased through 29 different communities throughout Alberta. It hosted more than 500 professional cyclists representing 33 countries.
“The ATB Tour of Alberta was one of North America’s top cycling events and brought some of the world’s best cyclists to the province of Alberta,” Hansen-Carlson said in the release.
“Wear every proud of the positive impact this event has had in showcasing Alberta’s people, communities, and landscapes to the world."
The tour featured such cyclists as Canadian Ryder Hesjdal, who retired from the sport in 2016, but represented Canada at the 2012 Olympics and raced in multiple Tour de France races.
Many of the cyclists who took part in the Tour of Alberta made their mark in the race and went on to become some of the world’s top cyclists.
Other prominent cyclists who raced in the tour included Peter Sagan, TomDumoulin, Bauke Mollema, Tom Jelte-Slagter, Nigel Elsay and Robin Carpenter.
The tour had a fan-friendly approach. Fans could get up close during each stage of the race, and many of the Alberta communities that hosted stages made the event feel more like a festival.
Fans could even participate in amateur rides before watching their favourite pros race.
“We wish to express our sincere thanks to the partners, communities, vendors, volunteers, staff, cyclists, teams and fans that made the ATB Tour of Alberta a success over the last five years,” he said.