Fourteen-year-old Bronwen Campbell has been in Jasper every summer of her life, staying at her family's cabin on Lake Edith. For the past three years she has been racing bikes in British Columbia for the racing team dEVo. Cycling is her passion and the Tour of Alberta was the highlight of her summer. Printed here is Bronwen's perspective on the professional cycling event.
Coming to Jasper is always a highlight of my summer, but I've never been as excited as this year—the year the Tour of Alberta pro cycling race came to town.
During the two days of racing, the Jasper community had the chance to experience a world class event with professionals who have ridden in the Tour de France and other major races around the world.
The day of the Miette stage, I took a shuttle bus up to the top of the climb. As soon as I got up there, I regretted my choice as I saw the number of spectators who had ridden up themselves. I should have been on my bike!
The energy was contagious at the top, as everyone watched the Jumbotron and listened to the announcers calling the race; the combination made it feel as if we were part of the race ourselves!
After numerous lead changes on the climb, Tom-Jelte Slagter (Cannondale-Garmin) appeared slightly ahead of the race leader, Bauke Mollema (Trek Factory Racing).
At the entrance to the Miette parking lot, Slagter gave it his all and sprinted, completing a 181 km day, and winning Stage 3. That kick at the end was impressive. Being so close to the action gave me a new appreciation for the riders—something you just can't get unless you're there to see it live!
The festival atmosphere in town was awesome. It was such a unique chance to hang out by the team trucks, watching the pros’ post-race routines. They are meticulous about cleaning their bikes and checking for mechanicals.
It turns out that hanging around the action was a good idea, because I was able to collect autographs and was offered water bottles as souvenirs from some of the world’s best cyclists.
On Saturday, I rode the Marmot climb and joined a growing crowd at the finish line.
Again it was a contagious environment, and again Cannondale-Garmin's Slagter out-waited the rest of the pack before sprinting to seize the win.
He had impressive back to back results, and there was an impressive group of spectators there both days, watching as he bested the rest of the pack.
Now that I've had a taste of the tour, I would love the chance to watch it in Jasper again. It’s an amazing setting and a special opportunity for the riders, who get to enjoy all that the Rockies have to offer in the best way imaginable: on a bike.
If you ask me, the event was a huge success and I hope next year there will be additional stages held in beautiful Jasper National Park—maybe even a junior stage!
Bronwen Campbell
Special to the Fitzhugh
