Skip to content

TOUR DE VICTORIA: Pick your cycling challenge

Mass cycling event sees hundreds of riders take to the streets Aug. 18 around the region
12848139_web1_VNE-RyderTourDeVicKids
Ryder Hesjedal rides alongside a pair of junior riders during the Tour de Victoria Kid’s Race around the legislature front driveway and Belleville Street. This year’s annual cross-section of cycling challenges happens Aug. 18. Don Descoteau/Victoria News

Few cyclists in Greater Victoria could give Ryder Hesjedal a run for his money in his Tour de France prime.

But the annual Tour de Victoria event around the region gives riders a chance to test their mettle at whatever level they might be at. On Aug. 18, cyclists will head out from the legislature on courses ranging from seven kilometres up to 160 km.

The routes traverse most of the municipalities in the region, from Victoria, Oak Bay and Saanich to the West Shore, depending on the distance you choose. Each has a slightly different degree of difficulty as well, and while there’s no hill climbs through the Pyrenees or Alps, there’s enough to challenge riders of all calibre on these routes.

The longest rides (160 and 140 km) get underway at 7 a.m., followed by the 100 and 60 km events at 8:30 a.m., with the first riders expected to finish around 10:25 a.m.

Start time for the 30, 15 and 7-km rides is noon, followed by the Kid’s Ride around the legislature driveway and Belleville Street at 2:30 p.m.

For more information or to sign up in advance of the rides, visit tourdevictoria.com.

editor@mondaymag.com