Criterium Race Downtown on Saturday

The Gran Prix Bicycle race is a first for Cobourg and is billed as “one of the most exciting spectator events this town has ever seen.”  Organizers have worked hard to ensure that all the details are covered, and risks are minimized, especially due to the road closures.  The 1.2 km race course (see map below) is East on King St. to Third, South on Third to Albert, West on Albert to Bagot, North on Bagot to King and East on King to the start/finish line. Each race involves a minimum of 33 laps at high speed.  Residents living on the course would be wise to move their cars south of Albert to facilitate access to the town throughout the day. Cobourg Police will have road Marshalls assisting throughout the course to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cars and cyclists.

The race participants have been instructed to park north of King Street to ensure there will be sufficient parking space for downtown store and market shoppers in the lot off Albert Street. Larger racing caravans will be parking on King between Second and Division. An additional parking lot for cyclists will also be available at the new Cycle Transition location at King Street West (the old Works Department location).

A Criterium Race
A Criterium Race
Agreed Route in Cobourg
Agreed Route in Cobourg

There will be a few detours for residents – for example, to get from Division to William/Ontario, you’ll need to either use University or the Esplanade, then Hibernia, Orr Street, Sydenham.  No doubt there will be some complaints but it looks to be an exciting event with Bicycle races all day.

Although the Town has issued a notice about detours including that Transit will have extensive rerouting, I would hope they (or someone) warned residents on the route that their cars would (presumably) be locked in for the day.

Update:  There’s more info on this Facebook page.

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GailR
5 years ago

And guess what – someone didn’t tell Tiwn staff about the route change and so Albert is blocked at Ontario. So the library is blocked off. .And no, there was no official notification to people on the route. Just your invaluable blog, John.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  GailR
5 years ago

Pity. Deserves a scold and hopefully, they will be more mindful for next year.

Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Bring cow bells, horns and other noise makers,to incite the thrills and spills. Some of the riders will have GoPro cams, perhaps to live-stream, and eventually post it on-line. There is a wonderful west beach accessible by boardwalk and several new benches to act as a departure lounge to the Imagine Nation for those who cannot tolerate a few hours of downtown fun for the enjoyment of the vast majority of Cobourg residents..

manfred s
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

“vast majority” ? Did you do a survey? 😉

Wally Keeler
Reply to  manfred s
5 years ago

Nope.

GailR
5 years ago

The initial notice from the Town said Albert would be closed west to Ontario. Then someone must have noticed that the library would be inaccessible – and our driveway too!

Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

Sounds like another well-organized, exciting event.
But as John says, no doubt there will complaints.
I have one of my own. With all the excellent coverage of our weekend events on this site, are we losing interest in the election?
To whit, the CTA cancelled the All-Candidates meeting, because some candidates refused to attend.
Details would be great.
Thanks, John!

John Draper
Reply to  Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

I will be posting on the all-candidates meeting cancellation – likely on Sunday, stay tuned. Meanwhile there’s the rally this afternoon and the bike race tomorrow. For the latest from the Candidates, go to my election page.

Dice
5 years ago

Typical Cobourg.. to Hell with the Residents and Taxpayers.. Gotta have another circus!

Durka
Reply to  Dice
5 years ago

What is your issue? This is downtown. If you live down there it comes with the territory. Much the same if you lived near the train tracks you should to expect to hear trains go by.

Elaine
Reply to  Dice
5 years ago

It is an honour to have such a well respected race in our town. Circus? I don’t think so. I am so looking forward to watching this, cheering them on and taking lots of photos. YOU, on the other hand, might want to go spend the day in Port Hope.

Dice
Reply to  Elaine
5 years ago

They were Supposed to hold it in the Northam Industrial Park, where it would Not obstruct Most of the town…

But as usual, taxpayers take a backseat to those who have a vested interest in downtown businesses.

Bill Prawecki
Reply to  Dice
5 years ago

Some folks just have to criticize anything going on ….. I attended the race a few years ago at the industrial Park ….. not that exciting to watch in that setting. I agree that the town could have been more careful to ensure that the library access would not be closwd off. Why do people always bring in taxpayer backseat stuff …. let’s make Cobourg exciting ….. if it is too much for some of you folks then time to move to Elliot Lake ….. maybe not, as they would love this race to take place in their town. Time to stop whining ….