HESJEDAL TOUR A FAMILY AFFAIR
TODAY: RYDER HESJEDAL’S TOUR DE VICTORIA
Cyclists of a wide range of ages and abilities will make up the expected field of about 1,500 at Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria today.
Among them will be the Jantz family from Alberta. Dad Donald Jantz, 15-year-old Noah and seven-year-old Maya are looking forward to taking part in the 45-kilometre Christie Phoenix Challenge.
“It’s going to be fun,” Jantz said. He said he cycles frequently, unlike his children, and has previously completed the 140-km Harbour Air Epic route.
“They don’t bike that often, but they shouldn’t have a problem.”
The event gives amateur cyclists the opportunity to pedal with the pros, including Victoriaraised Ryder Hesjedal, who will accompany experienced riders on the Epic course.
Hesjedal, who recently announced his retirement from competitive cycling at the end of this season, is arguably the bestknown cyclist in Canada, winning the Giro d’Italia in 2012.
The event, in its sixth year, offers three routes geared to different fitness levels: the Harbour Air Epic, a gruelling 140-km ride for the experienced cyclist; the Pro City Legend, a 90-km ride for the enthusiast; and the Christie Phoenix Challenge, a 45-km jaunt for the entry-level crowd.
There is also a free Kids Fun Ride, with routes between 500 metres and five kilometres, depending on age. It takes place about 2:30 p.m. in the finish line area on Belleville Street.
While all the events take place on public roads, the course will be traffic-controlled, with vehicles held back at intersections. There will be aid stations along the route, staffed by a medical team and bike mechanic, and with a rest room, liquids and small snacks.
Chad Linger, who describes himself as an amateur, will be taking part in an organized cycling event for the first time — the 90-kilometre Pro City Legend.
He said most of his workouts have been in the past month and a half.
“I’ve had a road bike for a few years, I just haven’t really had a reason to prepare and ride,” Linger said. “So this has been a good push.”
He said he was feeling nervous and excited about the ride.
For some inexperienced riders, taking on a cycling event can be like “doing Mount Everest” said event spokeswoman Trish Duncan. Others are veterans and return to enjoy the experience every year, she said. “Definitely cheer these guys on.”
The Epic starts at 7 a.m. and the Legend at 8:30 a.m. on Belleville Street, in front of the legislature. The Challenge starts at 11 a.m. from Iroquois Park on Ocean Avenue in Sidney.
Duncan said motorists should be aware that the ride takes place from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and there could be some delays as participants make their way through Victoria, the West Shore and the Saanich Peninsula.
Expect delays of up to 20 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sayward Road and the Patricia Bay Highway, with lesser delays and traffic-pattern changes on Willis Point Road and on Sooke Road between Happy Valley Road and Glen Lake Road.
A full list of road closures can be found at tourdevictoria.com.
“It won’t be for long, but it’s just nice if people can prepare themselves ahead of time,” Duncan said of the delays.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said the event is a good fit for the area.
“It’s a cycling city, so it will be neat to see all the cyclists biking around town.”