The Arrowsmith Cycling Club is hoping to host Qualicum Beach’s first cyclo-cross race this fall.
Roy Krgosky, club secretary, presented to council last Monday (May 29) about the event, which mixes cycling and running.
The Qualicum Beach Cross on the Commons, which council approved for Oct. 22, would be part of the Cross on the Rocks series of cyclocross races on the Island.
“They’re a grassroots organization that promotes cyclo-cross racing,” Kregosky said. “Because it is grassroots, we really want to promote family and youth involvement as well as making it competitive, challenging, encouraging. They have riders ranging in age from four years to 73 years in the different races.”
The race course would follow a counter-clockwise direction starting on the west side of the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre and will follow a loop around the fields.
According to last Monday’s (May 29) agenda, the event organizers are expecting 300-350 people for the inaugural event in Qualicum Beach.
The Town of Qualicum Beach also approved:
• The Qualicum Beach Triathlon on Sunday, June 25. The annual triathlon, which is in its 20th year, will include street closures including the southbound lane on Jones Street from Second Avenue West to Fern Road West. The community park trail will also be used between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Canada 150 Celebration hosted by the Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76 on Canada Day, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
According to the agenda, the event would begin with a pancake breakfast, followed by the unveiling of the ECHO Players’ mural. A parade will then follow and a full day of events, music, street dance and entertainment will be available around the town.
The Canada 150 committee in partnership with the Qualicum Beach legion has, to date, requested $7,500 which council has granted. The committee also requested an additional $5,000 to continue implementing the event, adding that any residual funds will be returned to the town.
Town staff has requested an updated budget from the committee.