10 historical photos of Vancouver's Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix

Jun 29 2016, 5:37 am

Vancouver’s premier bike race, the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, has a rich history that dates back to 1973. Fast forward to 2016 and the race has been given official Union Cycliste Internationale status for the second time since 2012.

Global Relay is the race’s title sponsor, which allowed the Gastown Grand Prix to undergo a multi-million dollar transformation and become the race with the richest criterium in North America five years ago.

This year’s race is on Wednesday, July 13 and starts at 5:30 pm.

Before it got to where it is today, it had more humble beginnings. Check out these 10 historical photos of the Gastown Grand Prix.

1973: Riders race by the original location of John Fluevog's shoe store in Gastown, then known as Fox Fluevog.

1973: Riders race by the original location of John Fluevog’s shoe store in Gastown, then known as Fox Fluevog.

Presenting the 1974 Gastown Grand Prix Trophy to winner Max Grace are (left to right) race sponsor Don Docksteader, Vancouver Mayor Art Phillips and race founder Roger Sumner, who finished third in the race.

Presenting the 1974 Gastown Grand Prix Trophy to winner Max Grace are (left to right) race sponsor Don Docksteader, Vancouver Mayor Art Phillips and race founder Roger Sumner, who finished third in the race.

The first Gastown Grand Prix races featured a number of support events including media races, bed races and pennyfarthing races. The 1975 Gastown Grand Prix, shown here, also featured a celebrity race with Provincial MLA and former BC Lion Emery Barnes (left) getting off to a quick start ahead of Mayor Art Phillips (white collar) and other riders. (Photo by Lorne “Ace” Atkinson)

The first Gastown Grand Prix races featured a number of support events including media races, bed races and pennyfarthing races. The 1975 Gastown Grand Prix, shown here, also featured a celebrity race with Provincial MLA and former BC Lion Emery Barnes (left) getting off to a quick start ahead of Mayor Art Phillips (white collar) and other riders. (Photo by Lorne “Ace” Atkinson)

August 2, 1977 -- Gastown Grand Prix bicycle race (Photo by John Denniston)

August 2, 1977 — Gastown Grand Prix bicycle race (Photo by John Denniston)

The great Dawne Deeley on her way to finishing as top woman in the 1979 Gastown Grand Prix. (Photo by Lorne Atkinson)

The great Dawne Deeley on her way to finishing as top woman in the 1979 Gastown Grand Prix. (Photo by Lorne Atkinson)

1988 race winner, Brian Walton.

1988 race winner, Brian Walton.

Gastown Champions Alison Sydor (1991), Verna Buhler (1981-82-83) and Sara Neil (1990) were on hand to unveil the new women's trophy in 2005.

Gastown Champions Alison Sydor (1991), Verna Buhler (1981-82-83) and Sara Neil (1990) were on hand to unveil the new women’s trophy in 2005.

Gina Grain (Webcor Builders) outsprints Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine Pro Cycling) and Ruth Corset (Jazz Apple Cycling Team) to win a record-tying third Gastown title.

Gina Grain (Webcor Builders) outsprints Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine Pro Cycling) and Ruth Corset (Jazz Apple Cycling Team) to win a record-tying third Gastown title.

The great Gina Grain has three name plates on the women's trophy, making her the co-record holder with Verna Buhler.

The great Gina Grain has three name plates on the women’s trophy, making her the co-record holder with Verna Buhler.

Ron Hayman won a record three Gastown Grand Prix races as a member of the great 7-Eleven team in 1981-1983. (Photo by Dave Mendenhall)

Ron Hayman won a record three Gastown Grand Prix races as a member of the great 7-Eleven team in 1981-1983. (Photo by Dave Mendenhall)

Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix 2016

When: Wednesday, July 13

Time: 5:30 pm

Where: Gastown, Vancouver

 

Daily Hive Vancouver is a proud sponsor of the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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