ELITE CYCLISTS TO RACE THE ROADS OF DOWNTOWN VICTORIA IN JULY

Victoria BC - The Agency Grand Prix presented by MNP today announced its annual cycling event that will determine the BC Criterium Cycling Champions. On Sunday July 16, 2023, Hundreds of BC's top road cyclists will compete in a multi-lap criterium-style cycling race on the iconic city streets around the BC Legislature in downtown Victoria.

Since 1992, Victoria has hosted high profile cycling races beginning with the Bastion Square Grand Prix (1992-2008), the Robert Cameron Law Cycling Series (2010-2019), and now continuing on with the Agency Grand Prix presented by MNP.

"With strong partnerships with the City of Victoria, Victoria Sport Tourism Commission, and the Government of BC, we have been able to keep this pillar event going for so long." says race director, Jon Watkin. "We want to continue to use it as a platform to celebrate the sport and jumpstart the sporting careers of the next generation of professional cyclists."

Returning as title sponsor for 2023 is The Agency who is also joined this year by presenting sponsor, MNP Victoria.

Some notable cyclists who have raced in past Grand Prix events in Victoria include: Ryder Hesjedal, Rob Britton, Alison Sydor, Gillian Carlton, Ryan Anderson, Geoff Kabush, Melanie McQuaid, Roland Green, Andreas Hestler, Andrew Pinfold, Gina Grain, Lesley Tomlinson, Sarah Neil......many who have become Olympians, World Champions, Professional Athletes, and even a Grand Tour Win.

Rising stars from Victoria who are making great strides to follow in this legacy include Riley Pickrell and Sarah Van Damme. Riley is a new professional cyclist riding for the Israel - Premier Tech Academy U23 Team that is a direct feeder program to the Professional Continental Team of the same name. This year, Riley has featured in some exciting finishes which include two podium results in the 2023 Le Tour De Bretagne. Sarah now rides for the DNA Pro Cycling Team and has proven herself as one of the team's top racers with 3 podium results, 4 top five results, top ten in every stage, and winner of best young rider in the Joe Martin Stage Race. In addition she achieved 3 top five results in the Tour of the Gila.

Defending BC Champion, Al Murison, plans to return to Victoria to defend his title with support from his new La Bicicletta cycling team. However, the Red Truck Racing Team will be putting their efforts to have their racer, Daniel Faser-Maraun to take the championship. In the U23 men's age category, we expect to see fireworks on the men's side between Evan Russell (Global Six) and Campbell Parish (Red Truck Racing). A rising star in BC and the new Junior National Time Trial Champion, Matthew Ney, will be looking for vindication from his 2nd place at last year's BC Championship. He is the clear favorite to win and expected to put on an impressive show of speed and power.

Photo Below - 2022 Elite Men's podium - (L-R, Daniel Fraser-Maraun, Al Murison, Michael Foley)

On the women's side, local rider and Canadian National Team Track Racer, Erin Attwell, aims to keep the Elite Women's BC Champion jersey on her shoulders as she battles against riders such as Brenna Pauly and the Red Truck Women's Racing Team. Another Star, Mara Rolden (Red Truck Racing), is motivated to return from injury to battle for the U23 Women's Title. Victoria's own Kimberley Chen is expected to continue on her streak of successes by going for her 2nd consecutive junior girls BC Criterium Championship title.

Photo Below - 2022 Elite women's podium - (L-R, Brenna Pauly, Erin Attwell, Sarah Van Dam)