Lucky cyclists to ride with pros

Times Reporter  

 

Fifteen cyclists will ride along with former winner of the Tour de France, Alex Stieda, on the Tour of Alberta route come this September. The riders will follow the five main stages of the course each race day, just like the pros, including Strathmore to Drumheller on Sept. 6. Any experienced road cyclists – men or women – comfortable drafting in a group formation are welcome to apply.

“If you have a beautiful road bike, have shaved legs that have endured some long, hard rides, and you know what the terms drafting, echelon and prologue mean, this is your kind of ride,” said Stieda, who now lives in Edmonton. “Not for the weak of heart, this is a bucket-list experience for anyone who wants to know what it’s like to be a pro cyclist in a major stage race.”

The amateurs will stay in the same hotels as the professionals, and will have VIP access –  including tickets to the opening and closing galas. Over 900km will be covered by the pros and the 15 riders, and both will have access to mechanical support, massage therapists, and meals.

“They need to be riding at least three times a week, and on the weekends, at least a three, four, five hour ride, by the end of August,” Stieda said. “I’m their guide, and we’ll definitely be riding at a hard pace, but the idea is for us to stay together, and work together as a team in order to stay ahead of the pro racers, who are starting about four hours later than we are.”

Most of the professional teams to compete hail from the U.S.: Garmin-Sharp (including Canadian Ryder Hesjedal, 2012 Giro D’Italia Champion), BMC Racing (lead by world champion Phillipe Gilbert, and 10-time Tour de France stage winner Thor Hushovd), Team SmartStop, and Optum Pro Cycling. The Champion System team from China has 2012 Canadian National Champion Ryan Roth on their roster, as well as Ryan Anderson of Edmonton. Other featured teams include Blano and Argos-Shimano of the Netherlands, Cannondale Pro Cycling of Italy, and Canada’s own Equipe Garneau-Quebecor. The remaining six groups will be announced later this month.

Stieda was a large part in bringing all these athletes to the Tour of Alberta, the first major stage professional race in Canada. 

“Thanks to Alex Stieda’s commitment to the sport of cycling, the lucky few who will be a part of this event will not only have a first class experience but will also get some world-class coaching and training along the way,” said Duane Vienneau, the executive director of the Alberta Peloton Association, the group that organized the tour.

Participants are required to bring their own gear, and the total cost is $9,500, with half due on the deadline application of June 30. Submissions can be made to alex@stiedacycling.com.