Ottawa Bicycle Club Grand Prix - Saturday July 18th

The hills will be alive with the sound of … gears clicking, wheels rolling, racers panting. That's right - the Grand Prix is back for it's 12th year as one of the largest one day cycling races in Canada. We're hoping to have more than 600 riders take on the challenge - will you be one of them? Registration is now open on the Grand Prix page.

Important - Registration closes on July 15th (11:59pm). There will be no registrations accepted after this time! Register early!!!

What's New?

Short answer - not much! This will be my first year as a race organizer, but Bob Hicks did a fantastic job getting this event through its first decade.

Registration continues to be both on-line and mail-in. Please see the OBC website for the details. Registration will open in early June. Please note that the price increases by $10 on July 1st.

Important - Registration closes on July 15th (11:59pm). There will be no registrations accepted after this time! Register early!!!

Race kit pickup will be on Friday July 17th in the afternoon and evening at the Quality Inn (290 Rideau St). Race kits may also be picked up Saturday morning starting at 6am at the Chelsea Community Centre (220 Old Chelsea Road - in Old Chelsea, on your way to the parking at Camp Fortune). Again, please pick up your kit on Friday to avoid missing your start because you were waiting in line on Saturday!!!

Once again, the women will start as one pack, not mixed with men. However, there will not be a Senior 3 women's category this year (the category no longer exists in Quebec). Women with a Senior 3 license can choose to race in the Senior 1/2 or in the Novice Women's category. As well, the Master 50+ women's category is merged with the Master 40+.

Another category that does not exist in Quebec is Senior 4 Men. Racers with a Senior 4 license are encouraged to race in the Senior 3 pack, but they can choose to race in the Novice category (note that there are no upgrade points in the Novice category).

I'm new to racing - can I participate?

Of course - the Grand Prix was my first race, too! If you are new to racing, the Novice categories are a great place to start. You'll have to buy a "day-license" for $15 or $20 depending on category at race kit pickup in addition to your entry. Unlicensed, but experienced riders can choose to race in their age category. Note that the Senior 1/2 categories are for licensed racers only.

I don't really want to race - can I help?

Of course - the Grand Prix needs all sorts of help! We need drivers (and cars) for service and officials (this is a great way to see the race happen), marshals, registration help, food tent help, and setup and tear down help. I really need some bilingual help, too (announcers and greeters). Now's your chance to be the podium guy/girl! If you can help, please leave a message at the OBC office (613 230-1064), or contact me (Peter Tregunno on 613 798-0911).

Spectators are welcome too! One of the best spots to see the race is on the climb up Fortune Lake Parkway - you can see the climbers at the front making it look easy, and everyone else grimacing! Or even plan a ride up to the park early on the 18th - but please move off to the side of the road to encourage the riders when the race comes by.