RACE INFO
Welcome Riders and Fans!
Bow Cycle & Sports, along with Mainstreet Bowness, is thrilled to welcome you to the 2025 Tour de Bowness! Whether you're a rider or a fan, we hope you enjoy the excitement and camaraderie of this incredible event. Over the past two decades, the Tour de Bowness has grown into one of the premier amateur cycling races in Western Canada. What started in 2001 with just the Bowness Criterium has expanded year after year, as Bow Cycle continues to find new ways to bring more people into this amazing sport.
The iconic Criterium course remains largely unchanged, featuring seven tight turns and numerous prime viewing spots throughout downtown Bowness. It may not always be the provincial championship race, but ask any cyclist—this course is their favorite, and it’s a fan favorite, too!
In 2015, we revamped the Hill Climb by moving it to Mackay Road, where the morning start allows riders to avoid the unpredictable evening winds. The format has evolved, and it now features individual time trials that lead to the thrilling 5-up finales, where top racers battle it out. This new format draws bigger crowds every year.
The Road Race, held on the picturesque yet challenging Horse Creek Road north of Cochrane, tests riders with its tough climbs and sharp turns. The infamous "hill" on the return lap is where the competition truly heats up, often deciding who takes home the top placements.
In 2023, we introduced the kids' race—one of the most heartwarming additions to the Tour. From run bikes to future cycling stars, this event brings the community together, united by the joy of seeing children fall in love with riding bikes.
2024 saw the inclusion of para cyclists, further expanding our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sport. We’re excited to watch this group grow and thrive as an integral part of the Tour de Bowness.
This year, the 2025 edition promises to be the best yet, featuring the Horse Creek Road Race, the Montgomery Hill Climb, and of course, the famous Bowness Criterium. We’ve made some exciting tweaks to enhance your racing experience and can’t wait to see everyone in action!
If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make your experience unforgettable.
Best regards,
Bob Grunewald
Race Director – bobg@bowcycle.com
Thank you for making Tour de Bowness part of your 2025 race season!
Race Results can be found on Zone 4.
Click for Omnium Results
ROAD RACE
SAT, AUGUST 2ND | HORSE CREEK (COCHRANE)
The road race takes place on Horse Creek Rd just outside the Town of Cochrane. With its rolling hills and majestic scenery, all racers are challenged by the 22 kilometer course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- Staging and Start – Weedon Pioneer Hall.
- Riders will head west down Weedon Road to a marshaled right turn, heading north onto Horse Creek Road. The race will be neutral until after this turn.
- There is a slight left turn at the 272, then a right onto Horse Creek Rd again.
- Racers will ride north to just before TWP RD 284 to the designated turn-around.
- Women 1/2/3 will turn before RD 280 on their final lap
- Racers return on the same route and turn-around in front of Weedon Pioneer Hall.
- The finish line will be on the up-hill section of Weedon Road several hundred meters back of Weedon Pioneer Hall
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:10AM | Staging of Categories |
8:15AM | Category 4 Men start2 loops @ 44km = 88km |
8:17AM | Category WMN 4 start2 loops @ 44km = 88km |
8:30AM | Youth start (U15 & U17 men & women)1 loops @ 44km = 44 km |
8:35AM | Citizen Category1 loops @ 44km = 44km |
10:10AM | Category 1/2 Men 43 loops @ 44km = 132 km |
10:15AM | Category 3 Men start3 loops @ 44km = 132 km |
10:30AM | Category WMN 1/2/3 start2 loops @ 44km + 3/4 loop @ 35km = 123 km |
RACE DAY INFORMATION
Racers must present their 2025 racing license to the race secretaries.
You will receive race numbers at your first event; please note, these numbers are specific to the Tour de Bowness and are not your 2025 ABA permanent road numbers.
Beverages will be available at the Weedon Pioneer Community Hall for Racers and Volunteers at the end of the events.
Racer’s meals are not provided.
Please remove cycling shoes before entering Weedon Pioneer Hall.
Results and awards to follow as soon as possible after each category.
DIRECTIONS TO VENUE
- From Calgary, head northwest on Crowchild Trail, to HWY 1A. Continue west for 20km to Cochrane. Stay on the HWY 1A through Cochrane for 2.5km until reaching the lighted intersection of HWY 1A and HWY 22.
- Turn right and go north on HWY 22, up the hill. Head north for 7km until the intersection of the RNG RD 567/ Big Hill Springs Road, and HWY 22. Turn right and enter the Big Hill Shell Parking lot.
- Race Staging and Start area will be on the west side of HWY 22, directly across from the Shell/ RV Park, on Weedon Road. The Weedon Pioneer Community Hall is the central spot for the A.B.A., wheel cars, and Marshalls, First Aid, Media and Volunteers. There will be no parking for racers at the hall for registration or the race.
PARKING
- Racers must park at the Big Hill Shell gas bar on the EAST side of HWY 22. This will be marshall controlled/limited parking situation. Please obey the Parking Coordinators. Those wanting to set up Team tents, warm-up equipment, etc. are advised to arrive early to get the space you need.
- The parking lot and gas bar/ RV Park will be open to the public during this event. Please use caution while in the area and on your bikes. Cyclists need to represent our user group in a responsible, courteous manner to ensure future use of this venue. Riders should be wearing a helmet at all times when on their bicycle. Thanks to Sean Veraat of The Spring Hill Group undertaking arrangements for us.
- Please safely cross HWY 22 from the Big Hill Gas Bar to the Weedon Pioneer Hall or sign on. HWY 22 at the 567 is an uncontrolled, extremely busy intersection. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION when crossing. Remember: this is a long weekend travel day.
- Weedon Pioneer Hall parking is reserved for organizers, race officials, FIRST AID, and media. There will be no parking for racers at the Hall for registration or the race.
- PARKING is NOT allowed on the Race Course of Weedon Road, Horse Creek Road or residents’ driveways, as per County of Rocky View. The future of our event depends on cooperation of all parties participating.
FEED ZONE
Check map for feed zone details. The feed zone is open northbound on the second lap of two lap races and in both directions on the second lap and northbound on the third lap of three lap races.
Riders must dispose of garbage and bottles only in the feed zone.
WHEELS
Wheel cars will be wheels in wheels out unless the car is full where it will become neutral. The wheel vehicle will service you from behind on the right side of the road and you are responsible for changing your own wheel. You will not get any drafting to help you back to the group. ABA Rules link
VEHICLES
During the race you may hear a few quick honks of a horn, this means that following traffic is trying to pass. Please neutralize yourselves briefly until the traffic has passed safely. This also applies when groups of different Categories try to blend together.
If you are dropped by the peleton, you must stay to the right and obey all traffic signs and laws. If another group catches up to you, you cannot ride or work with the group or be involved in the final sprint.
There will be a sweep vehicle following the last rider on the course so you won’t be left alone if you need help. Depending on the position of the last rider, the sweep may take a few minutes to get up to you.
DNF RIDERS
If you retire or abandon the race, please tell a Commissaire at the finish line. Once you finish, clear the finish area quickly and do not cross the finish line again while riding your bike. Do not congregate around the finish line as this may cause oncoming traffic to enter the finish area and causes danger to other riders.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- This event will be run according to UCI, CCC & ABA rules & regulations. Riders are responsible to read & understand the regulations. They can be found online.
- Certified FIRST AID responders will attend the Road Race. Weedon Pioneer Hall is the designated First Aid Point. Marshals on the Course will have radios and cell phones for easy communication.
- Porta-potties will be available at the Feed Zone area, in the parking area of Big Hill Gas Bar and at Weedon Pioneer Hall.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, including, but not limited to, public urination, littering, and profane language. Officials have the right to assess penalties and disqualify riders from the race if deemed necessary. We are on public roads and we want to remain welcome. Please do your part to ensure this is possible.
- Where it is deemed that the image or reputation of the Tour de Bowness may be blemished, organizers reserve the right at any time to exclude riders.
MONTGOMERY HILL CLIMB
SUN, AUGUST 3RD | MACKAY ROAD NW CALGARY
The Hill Climb is an exciting dash to the top of Mackay Road. This short and intense climb takes brute power and strength to successfully conquer the 1 kilometer long steep 141 foot ascent. Lined with cheering spectators and a gorgeous view of Calgary in the background. The finishing setup was too much fun not to replicate again, so the top 5 in each category will race a second time to get their placement!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:30AM | Registration open for Hill Climb |
9:00AM | Hill Climb open to ride |
9:45AM | Hill Climb Clear |
10:00AM | Citizen Category |
10:20AM | Category 4 Men |
10:50AM | Category 3 Men |
11:20AM | Category U15 & U 17 Men, U15 Women |
11:40AM | Women Category 1/2/3/4 |
12:15AM | Category 1/2 Men |
12:40PM | All Categories Top Five for placement |
RACE DAY INFORMATION
If you already have your race number (TdB ones), you are good to race! No Sign-on, no license check.
If you have not picked up a racer package, you are required to check in the tent near the start at least 15 minutes prior to your start time. License check open at 9:00am.
Racers must present their ABA/UCI license to the Technical Delegate to receive numbers.
Riders are reminded that UCI Regulations concerning bicycles, including a minimum bicycle weight of 6.8 kg, are in effect for all three stages. Bicycles may be checked prior to, or immediately after, each race. Riders are also reminded of UCI Regulation 1.3.008, which prohibits the “supertuck” position, as well as riding with one’s forearms as the point of support on the handlebars.
Riders will compete as a ITT in 30 seconds intervals.
NOTE: Traffic is allowed beside the course and riders MUST obey the rules of the road. Results and awards to follow as soon as possible after the event. Results will be posted about 15 minutes after the finish of each category.
DIRECTIONS TO VENUE/PARKING
From Bow Cycle & Sports – 6501 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary:
- Head southeast on Bowness Rd NW toward 64 St NW for 3.1 km
- Turn left onto 42 St NW for 130 m
- Turn left onto MacKay Rd NW for 130 m
- Foundations for the Future Charter Academy High School Campus is at 2116 MacKay Rd NW
ADDITIONAL INFO
- This event will be run according to UCI, CCC & ABA rules & regulations. Riders are responsible to read & understand the regulations. They can be found online.
- Washrooms will be available
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, including, but not limited to, public urination, littering, and profane language. Officials have the right to assess penalties and disqualify riders from the race if deemed necessary. We are on public roads and we want to remain welcome. Please do your part to ensure this is possible.
- Where it is deemed that the image or reputation of the Tour de Bowness may be blemished, organizers reserve the right at any time to exclude riders.
CORY MEZA MEMORIAL CRITERIUM
MON, AUGUST 4TH | BOWNESS (CALGARY)
A criterium is a fast race on a short circuit with the city streets closed to traffic. Racers reach speeds of up to 70 km/hr as they race on the circuit that loops from Bowness Rd, past Bow Cycle and back around the winding streets of the community of Bowness. This event is a crowd-favorite as the racers take the turns at high speed and the constant sprinting whips the crowd into a frenzy as riders compete for cash prizes known as lap primes (pronounced “preems”).
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- The criterium course is 960m with 7 turns, a small hill, a chicane and some good old Bownesian pavement. A long straight away (with a typical tailwind) makes for a fast finish.
- The wheel pit is located just before the start line on the rider’s right.
- The wheel pit is not neutral, you must provide your own wheels.
- Team tent area is located in front of Undercurrents on Bowness Rd NW for teams and riders to put up tents and warm up.
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:00AM | Course open for training |
9:00AM | Citizen Category – 20 laps |
9:45AM | Category 4 Women – 20 laps |
10:30AM | Category 4 Men– 30 laps |
11:20AM | Youth (U17/15 men & women) – 15 laps |
12:00PM | Category 3 Men– 35 laps |
1:00PM | Kids Race |
1:50PM | Category Women 1/2/3 – 35 laps |
3:00PM | Category 1/2 – 45 laps |
RACE DAY INFORMATION
All Racers must be pre-registered and need to show their license/sign on at Bow Cycle at least 15 minutes before your race starts. Riders who have not done so already must present their license to the Technical Delegate to receive numbers. Ensure that your signature appears on the sign-on sheets.
Course opens for warm up at 8:00am. Please use caution as set-up may still be in progress.
The course will be open for at least one lap after each event.
The course will be open to the next category only after the last rider in an event has finished and until 10 minutes before start time of the next event.
Each race will be led by a motorcycle. Riders, either close to being lapped or lapped, may be pulled from the race by the Chief Commissaire. Such riders will be placed according to the number of laps completed.
The wheel pit is located just before the start line on the rider’s right. The wheel pit is not neutral, you must provide your own wheels.
Riders will receive a free lap in case of a recognized mechanical (defined as breakage of an essential part of the bicycle) or a crash (defined as falling off one’s bike). No free lap in the final five laps; riders in the pit at 3 laps to go may not re-enter the race.
Results and awards to follow as soon as possible after each category.
PRIMES
- Citizen - 2 Primes
- U17/15 - 2 Primes
- Women 4 – 2 Primes
- Category 4 – 3 Primes
- Category 3 – 3 Primes
- Women 1,2,3 – 3 Primes
- Category 1/2 – 4 Primes
DIRECTIONS TO VENUE / PARKING
- The Criterium course is located in downtown Bowness on 64th Street and Bowness Road NW.
- Parking is available behind Hextall Place and east of 64th Street on Bowness Road.
RACER FOOD
A ticket for a post criterium meal provided by Salt & Pepper Restaurant will be available at Sign on. Come and enjoy the Bowness Street Festival during and after the Criterium on Monday, August 1st.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- This event will be run according to UCI, CCC & ABA rules & regulations. Riders are responsible to read & understand the regulations. They can be found online.
- Washroom facilities will be provided behind Bow Cycle near the Community Garden.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, including, but not limited to, public urination, littering, and profane language. Officials have the right to assess penalties and disqualify riders from the race if deemed necessary. We are on public roads and we want to remain welcome. Please do your part to ensure this is possible.
- Where it is deemed that the image or reputation of the Tour de Bowness may be blemished, organizers reserve the right at any time to exclude riders.