BC Hydro Power Smart signs on as Presenting Sponsor of 2007
Tour de Gastown

June 01, 2007
The Tour de Gastown, British Columbia’s premier bicycle race and the centrepiece of the BC Super Week series of bike races, has a new presenting sponsor – BC Hydro Power Smart.

In making the announcement today, Tour de Gastown Event Director, Jonathan Wornell, said the sponsorship was further evidence of BC Hydro Power Smart’s firm commitment to one of the most popular outdoor sports in the province.

“We are proud to have BC Hydro Power Smart on board,” said Mr. Wornell, “this year’s race on July 18th promises to be bigger, better and more exciting than ever before – and, as always, it’s free for spectators, all they need to do is get there early for the best vantage points.”

Mr. Wornell said the Tour de Gastown has become a firm family favourite as a mid-week summer outing. This year, he expects close to 40,000 spectators to line the route in Gastown to see some of the top riders in North America.

“BC Hydro is committed to providing clean energy and encouraging energy conservation in B.C. and actively supports organizations and activities that also work towards that goal,” said BC Hydro’s Community Investment Manager Larina Lopez.  “We know cycling is a popular competitive sport, growing in popularity as a healthy outdoor pastime that not only provides good exercise, but is also emissions-free, which is important to us.”

BC Hydro Power Smart recently announced that it will also be sponsoring Vancouver-based Symmetrics Pro Cycling, one of the most successful teams currently racing in North America.

The Tour de Gastown title is contested by men and women in separate races over a super-fast 1.2 km course on the streets of Gastown. It attracts some of North America’s top riders who battle for more than $15,000 in cash prizes. Past winners have included seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

The women’s race, over 30 laps (36km), is expected to attract about 60 riders and will begin at 6.15pm. The 50 lap (60km) men’s race has a maximum field of 130 riders and will start at 7.30pm.

With the start and finish line at the Gastown steam clock on Water Street, the course includes a 165-degree hairpin turn onto Cordova Street, a three-block downhill sprint to a sharp left turn onto Carrall Street, a sweep through Maple Tree Square before a 250-meter dash to the finish line along Water Street’s cobble stones.

BC Hydro is committed to encouraging conservation, upgrading and reinvesting in BC Hydro's heritage assets, as well as working with independent power producers to meet British Columbia's energy needs now and into the future. For more Power Smart information visit www.bchydro.com