The first Gastown Grand Prix took place in 1973, making this its 50th anniversary. According to the race's website, the grand prix has attracted Olympians.

Michael Woods, a 31-year-old from Ottawa, won bronze to become the first Canadian in the top three at the event since Steve Bauer finished third in 1984.

Michael Woods outlasted the field in a 157-kilometre (97.5-mile) stage that finished with a tough climb up Balcon de Bizkaia in Basque Country. The Ottawa cyclist is the second Canadian in history to win a Spanish Vuelta stage.