Vancouver to host Gastown Grand Prix Wednesday

Vancouver’s premier cycling event kicks off Wednesday evening.

The Gastown Grand Prix will see more than 100 cyclists take part in three different events, racing around the city’s oldest neighbourhood.

Starting at the intersection of Water Street and Cambie Street, the route takes cyclists along West Cordova, Columbia, and Powell streets and back to Water Street.

Organizer Global Relay says the event has been running for over 50 years, eventually becoming “one of the most popular one-day bike races in North America.”

Races begin at 5:10 p.m. with a youth heat, followed by the 6:15 p.m. Women’s Pro Race and 7:30 p.m. Men’s Pro Race.

Road closures are in effect from 9 a.m. until midnight. A complete list can be found on the event’s website.

The Gastown Grand Prix is expected to draw around 30,000 spectators.

The cobbled streets of Gastown were soaked by downfall Wednesday morning, but 1130 NewsRadio Meteorolgist Carl Lam says rain has tapered off for the afternoon. Cyclists can expect to ride under cloud and some scattered showers through the evening.