by Morinville News Staff
The 21st Annual Tour de l’Alberta cycling event will take place Aug. 9, once again starting and finishing in Morinville.
Started by Don Peddie in 1994, the Edmonton Cycling and Touring Club organized and ran the annual cycle through Alberta’s French corridor until 2014. In that year, the Town of Morinville became a major partner in the event and are taking an active role in its organization again this year.
Organizers say this year’s iteration of the event will see some changes, the biggest being the date change. Traditionally, the event has been held on the final day of the Tour de France. This year, organizers have moved the event to Aug. 9.
“This new date better accommodates major partners involved in the Tour de l’Alberta,” said Tour de l’Alberta Committee Lead Schaun Goodeve in a release issued Wednesday afternoon. “The new date also enables us to utilize the Morinville Community Cultural Centre, which is ideal for the kick-off event as well as the post-ride celebration.”
In addition to moving both date and venue, there are some changes to the ride route and ride distances this year. Organizers are planning a Family Fun Ride of approximately 15 kilometres, as well as 50-km, 100-km, and 160-km routes.
The 20th annual iteration of the event included a 150-km and 185-km route. More than 1,400 riders participated in six routes in 2014, 950 of those taking part in the popular 100-km ride.
Organizers are hoping to see strong numbers once again this year.
“We have so many great supporters and partners who are participating again this year, and plans are in full swing,” Goodeve said. “It is shaping up to be another fantastic event.”
Registration for the event is now open, and riders can once again purchase a commemorative jersey. Online registration is available at http://www.tourdalberta.ca/.
