After a one-year hiatus due to construction, registration
for the 53rd season of the Tour di Via Italia is officially open. The races are
scheduled for Sunday, September 2, 2012.
While the regular course will be used a great addition to it, a round-about at the corner of Parent Ave. and Erie St. will add some stunning visuals and great racing.
The Tour di Via Italia will start and finish in the heart of Windsor’s Little Italy. After a beautification project to the neighbourhood, a new addition to the course has been added. A roundabout is now located at the corner of Erie Street East and Parent Avenue!
“We're very excited to be continuing this Labour Day tradition,” says organizing committee member, Aldo Sfalcin. “The beautification of Via Italia will definitely provide the perfect backdrop with great viewing locations for fans.”
There will be races for children and competitive races in a variety of categories, all leading up to the late afternoon Pro Men’s Race which highlights world class cyclists from Canada, the United States and abroad. Reigning champion, Chris Uberti of Indiana, will be returning to defend his title.
With the event having a total prize purse worth thousands of dollars, teams from Belgium, US Postal, Steve Bauer, Frankie Andreu, Robbie Ventura, and many other stars have won or competed in the race.
The annual race has drawn thousands of spectators to Windsor’s Little Italy giving local businesses located along the route an economic boost.
“It’s an important part of the culture and history of our city and provides a welcome surge in activity for restaurants and businesses located along Erie Street,” explains Adriano Ciotoli, an avid supporter of cycling in the region and co-creator of the award winning Wine Trail Ride Cycling Tours. “We can see upwards to 10,000 people converge onto the street for the races. It provides a great opportunity for families to come out, enjoy the races, have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants or cafes and be a part of an event that has become entrenched in our local culture.”
The closed circuit course is completely flat with four corners and a lap distance of approximately 2 km with the start/finish line located on Erie St. E. between Marentette Ave. and Elsmere Ave.
The first race was held on November 2, 1958.
For additional information about the Tour di Via Italia as well as registration visit tourdiviaitalia.com
by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine
