Tour de Terra Cotta’s 10th edition goes this Monday

July 31, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
One of the major events on Terra Cotta’s calendar goes this coming Monday.
The 10th annual Tour de Terra Cotta will be a source of excitement throughout the village to mark the Civic Holiday.
The day will feature a number of cycling events, starting at 7:45 a.m. with youth time trials, for young people aged eight to 16, before the youth road races start going at 9 a.m. The day will culminate with the Elite Road Race, consisting of 12 laps around the 8.68-kilometre course. That event is for anyone aged 17 to 59, and it’s due to start at 1:30 p.m.
The race course starts on King Street in the village (in front of Terra Cotta Inn). From the starting line, racers head east, then south on Heritage Road (going up the only hill on the course), then west on Old School Road and north on Winston Churchill Boulevard, heading back into the village.
Race Director Brad Hains said the focus of the event has changed a bit for this year.
“We are taking the net proceeds and directing them out in the community,” he said.
Caledon Meals on Wheels will be benefitting from the proceeds, as well as Terra Cotta Community Hall.
As well, the race supports Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peel.
In June, race organizers, in cooperation with the Brampton Cycling Club and Caledon Hills Cycling, presented bikes to 16 little brothers and sisters.
In addition, three Caledon high school graduates were awarded $1,000 Ted Webb Scholarships, in honour of the race’s founder.
“I had nothing to do with it,” Webb said. “I’m happy to see it.”
Webb, 81, said he will be standing down from the Elite Race, but will take part in the six-lap Intermediate Road Race, commenting the hill on the course is starting to be a bother.
“I can still climb, but I just need to take my time now,” he said.
Webb said the growth of the event over the years still impresses him.
“It’s just amazing growth,” he remarked. “The whole community’s behind this.”
This year’s event is expected to attract more than 500 racers and over 1,200 spectators.
“It’s a community event that’s truly for all cyclists,” Hains observed. “We’re not only celebrating the fastest in the Elite Road Race, but acknowledging and rewarding the Most Improved Rider. Our goal is to encourage as many cycling enthusiasts as possible.”
Hains also said the primary goal of the race, after running a safe even, is to make as much money for designated charities as possible.
“As the race grows in popularity, so does our level of community support,” he said. “This year we’re giving back to our community in a number of creative ways.”
Hains said the main hope now is for good weather.
“Fingers crossed that we have good weather and a good turnout,” he said.