The local cycling community feels slighted over the last-minute cancellation of a fully approved race which was to be held Sunday on the long weekend (May 19, 2019) in St. Albert. The City of St. Albert abruptly cancelled this City-sanctioned event less than three days before the competition without consulting with the race organizers.
Volunteers from two local cycling clubs had worked for several months with appropriate City departments, the RCMP, the Alberta Bicycle Association and local sponsors to ensure all approvals were in place for a safe, well-organized downtown community event on the quiet long weekend Sunday in May. Efforts were rewarded in April when the city granted permission for the event to go ahead.
Our volunteers were very appreciative of the support and professionalism displayed by the City administrators we dealt with but were left dumbfounded and suspicious as a result of the last-minute about-face by the City of St. Albert. Dumbfounded because the race did not happen. Suspicious because it was cancelled for a perceived "safety concern." This arbitrary decision cost both clubs not only financially, but also in terms of reputation as cyclists from across the province had to change plans at the last minute. As volunteers, we committed ourselves to hosting an event to benefit the entire community. Having invested significant time, then having the event cancelled for no legitimate reason is truly disheartening.
Ed Heacock, president, Velocity Cycling Club
