On September 24 through 26, 2004, the Island’s trails will be buzzing with activity for the first annual Confederation Trail Open, Canada’s only province-wide cycling race.
The Confederation Trail Open is a new staged event for both competitive and recreational cyclists, with racing during the daytime and entertainment and rest stops during the evening. The course runs along the entire 300-kilometre length of the Confederation Trail over three stages, with the start and finish occurring at the Island’s tips.
“Increased use of our trails through the Confederation Trail Open is an important economic development strategy. It will help to expand the traditional tourism shoulder season by filling hotel rooms and restaurants, and giving our retail sector a boost,” said the Honourable Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “ACOA is providing a contribution of $64,125 to assist organizers in developing and marketing the Confederation Trail Open as a premier annual mountain biking event. As this event grows in popularity, Prince Edward Island will also benefit from international exposure as a beautiful and unique vacation destination.”
This exciting, inaugural event is being organized by Tourism PEI, Island Trails and Cycling PEI and plans include elite individual as well as recreational individual and relay team competitions.
“A lot of energy has been focussed on our trail system over the past few months, and the Provincial Government is pleased to provide, not only financial assistance, but the assistance of staff at Tourism PEI to further the development and heighten the awareness of the Confederation Trail,” noted the Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism for Prince Edward Island. “The Tourism Partnership Forum held over the winter months determined a priority to further develop the Confederation Trail, and this event is a great way to foster that development.”
It is anticipated that this year’s inaugural race will attract approximately 600 recreational and elite cyclists, along with their supporters. The elite competitors will race solo for cash prizes, while the recreational riders have the option of racing either solo or in teams of three to compete for a variety of prizes.
“The Confederation Trail Open has the potential to attract thousands of cyclists and visitors,” said Ruth Sturz, President of Island Trails and co-chair organizing the event in cooperation with Tourism PEI and Cycling Prince Edward Island. “We are pleased to have the financial support of ACOA and Tourism PEI, which will help us to create a self-sustaining annual event that makes a meaningful economic contribution to shoulder season tourism in the province.”
Ron Skinner, representative of Cycling Prince Edward Island brought a message from a very keen Island elite cyclist, Cory Jay. Mr. Jay noted, “Ever since I heard that an event like the Confederation Trail Open (CTO) was taking shape, I have eagerly followed its progress. The CTO is truly going to be a pioneer racing event. The course itself is one-of-a-kind, where the winning rider will have to be strong on the flats and technically sound in the more challenging hills. Having the Elite stage race should attract a very exciting field of racers from all over, while the recreational race should promote a festival-like atmosphere to be enjoyed by all. This coming September, the Confederation Trail Open will be a showcase for Prince Edward Island's beautiful countryside, I can't wait until the gun goes off and the race gets underway.”
Further information about the event and on-line registration can be found at the Web site www.confederationtrailopen.com.