EDMONTON – Cyclists from around the world have converged on our province for the Tour of Alberta, the largest and most highly-ranked bike race ever held in Canada.
On Tuesday, thousands of spectators lined the course of a time trial in Edmonton to cheer on the riders, some of whom have competed in races like the Tour de France and Tour of Italy.
“This is the top tier of cycling in the world. This is like the NHL or NFL of cycling,” said cycling enthusiast Christopher Haubrich.
His wife, Katie, was in awe watching the athletes, and described them as “superhuman.”
“No question the speeds these guys can ride up a hill, I can barely even do on flat ground, so yeah, they’re incredible,” she said.
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Over the next five days, 15 cycling teams of 117 world-class riders will compete in the five-stage race. It will span nearly 900 kilometres, taking the cyclists through Alberta’s prairies, badlands, foothills and the Rocky Mountains before ending in Calgary on Sunday.
“I don’t think many people understand how big this is going to be, this is just the start,” said Brian Jolly, Chairman of the Tour of Alberta Board.
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He expects the event will draw more than 300,000 Albertans will take in the tour in person – while millions of others watch it on their televisions across the globe.
“The whole word right now is watching Edmonton…and it’s a great opportunity to showcase our entire province for the entire week,” said Duane Vienneau, the Tour’s Executive Director.
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Organizers believe the economic impact of the event will be about $35 million for the province.
Cycling enthusiasts, meanwhile, hope that the Tour of Alberta is able to have an even more lasting impact.
“I think cycling is sort of a blossoming sport here and I really hope that this gears up some excitement about cycling,” said Katie Haubrich, “and more people get on bikes and commute in to work, and ride for fun and for fitness.”
Stage One of the tour starts Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. with a festival in Strathcona County. The riders will take off around 11:15 and make their way to Camrose.
With files from Quinn Ohler and Kevin Karius, Global News and The Canadian Press
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