It’s a bike! It’s a plane. It’s Superman – Teigue Jarvis of Sherwood Park makes his way to the finish line in Sunday’s 5-kilometre leg of the Tour de l’Alberta. This year’s event drew more than 1,500 cyclists to the community. See pages 20 and 21 for story and photos. –
Photos by Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – More than 1,500 cyclists pedalled their way through parts of the French Corridor Sunday. The 19th Annual Tour de l’Alberta departed from the Ray McDonald Sports Centre, offering cyclists a 185-, 150-, 100-, 50-, 15- and 5-kilometre route to choose from.
Volunteer Coordinator Chris Chapman of the Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club (EBTC) said she was pleased with this year’s turnout in terms of both volunteers and cyclists.
“We are pumped and excited, just like their tires,” Chapman said of the energy in the air at the event Sunday morning. “We are well over 200 more cyclists than last year. It’s an excellent turnout.”
This year’s event drew 1,540 cyclists to Morinville, the majority of those (675) participating in the 100-km route. Chapman said she attributes the turnout to the increasing popularity of the event and to broadening their promotion of the event at trade shows in the region.
The 100-km route riders depart from the Ray McDonald Sports Centre. This year’s 100-km route drew 675 cyclists.
Deputy Mayor Lisa Holmes, who shared emcee duties, departs on the 5-km route.
Riders participating in the 185-km ride head down 100 Avenue at 7 a.m. Sunday morning.
The 150-km route drew roughly 200 riders.
EBTC Volunteer Coordinator Chris Chapman and Morinville Festival Society Chair Paul Smith show there is always room for more cowbell, cheering riders on with noisemakers provided by Linda Getzlaf.
Some cyclists cross the finish line.
