In celebration of the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix presented by Allstream, happening July 11, 2012, this channel presents some archival footage from the rich history of this well-loved cycling race.

Since its inaugural year in 1973, the Gastown Grand Prix has been among North America’s most challenging and exhilarating cycling events. For more than 30 years, many of the world’s top male and female cyclists have taken part in this race famous for its compact course, hairpin corners and spectacular upsets. Past winners of this speedy criterium include stars of the cycling world such as Lance Armstrong and Canada’s own Alex Stieda and Alison Sydor.

This is a criterium — a multiple-lap bicycle race on a short closed route through city streets – where riders will reach speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour in tightly packed pelotons. In the race’s prior years, huge crowds lined Water, Cambie, Carrall, Cordova and Abbott streets to witness the wheel-to-wheel action of this challenging race. This race is part of BC Superweek, Canada’s richest race series.

Global Relay, a Gastown-based technology firm, has committed to bring the Gastown Grand Prix back to Vancouver for 2012 and beyond.