(Vancouver, BC) First held in 1973, the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix has been a key part of Vancouver’s summer, bringing the speed and excitement of elite bicycle racing to the cobbled streets of its most iconic and historic neighbourhood. This year, the Gastown Grand Prix will be held on Wednesday, July 8th and international racers will converge on Gastown for one of the longest-running and most famous bike races on the continent with past winners including national champions and Olympians.

Since 2012, Gastown-based technology services company Global Relay has been the title sponsor of the Grand Prix, and their commitment to the event and the area has been fundamental to the ongoing revitalization of the neighbourhood. During their time as a title sponsor, the company has grown from roughly 200 employees to over 1700 worldwide with the largest number working from their head office which has been in Gastown since 2005.

This year’s event lands at a momentous time for the area and its place in the city. In April, the Gastown Public Spaces Plan was approved with its long-term vision of building on Gastown’s heritage to create a “vibrant, people-focussed neighbourhood”, starting with this spring’s revitalization of Blood Alley Square. The event also falls the day after Vancouver hosts its 7th and final FIFA World Cup match when Gastown will welcome the world to its historic streets.

“Gastown is central to what Global Relay is,” said Davide Larosa, Associate Director, Business Operations. “Our team loves being here, and our Gastown offices remain the heart of our worldwide operations.”

As Global Relay has grown, so have their Gastown offices, and they are now the single office tenant with their staff working across multiple floors of the iconic Leckie Building, made famous worldwide by the front cover of Nickelback’s “Here and Now” album. Larosa added: “our support for the Gastown Grand Prix is one way that Global Relay gives back the community we call home. It’s a perfect way for our team to celebrate with Gastown and all the people who love this place.”

The Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix begins at 5:10pm with a junior race showcasing up-and-coming talent and the pro races beginning at 6:15. Learn more at globalrelayggp.org and follow along at @gastowngp for latest news.

Download Photos Please credit photos “Courtesy Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix”

Media Contact
Paul Done, epicmedia
paul@epicmedia.ca