Exciting news! The start of the 2023 race calendar has officially begun. Registration for events will open soon but please make sure to keep checking the calendar, as more events will be added as we move forward into the season. Races are taking place in some of Ontario’s most stunning landscapes and terrains, and this year’s race season promises to be full of new challenges and excitement. With options ranging from charity rides to our entire Ontario Cup race series and plenty of regional events, there is something for everyone – from beginner cyclists to experienced riders – so don’t miss out on the opportunity to challenge yourself at a local OC Sanctioned Event.
The road calendar includes criteriums and charity rides.
Criterium races and road races are extremely popular in Ontario. Criteriums are usually held over short, tight courses that last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the level of competition, while road races can span distances of up to more than 100 kilometres.
Both events offer unique experiences for spectators and riders. With criteriums, you’re right there at the heart of the action with a front-row seat to some incredible – and heart stopping – twists and turns! Tour di Via Italia in Windsor and Preston Street in Ottawa are probably two of the most exciting Criterium races in Ontario. Aside from the thrilling atmosphere, these events bring the community together, showcasing both the sport and the joy of being a part of such an exciting event.
The Ontario Cup (OCup) series will kick it into high gear during the summer starting in May. For the 2023 OCup Road Series, Ontario Cycling is pleased to announce its partnership with Performance Driven Events, with three OCups & the three Provincial Championships . Of the three Ontario Cups (Bradford, Baltimore and Lansdowne), two are brand-new courses for the 2023 Season. The Provincial Championships will return to North Bay as a triple header event on the August long weekend.
Gravel becomes a popular extension for many cyclists.
Gravel cycling races are becoming increasingly popular these days, adding an exciting new element to the world of competitive cycling. With off-road courses featuring a mix of sand, gravel, mud, and rocks, racers must tackle terrain that conventional road bikes are not suited for.
We see our well-established races back on the gravel calendar this year, with the return of Paris to Ancaster, Creemore Springs Turas Mór and Dusty Nostril. We are also very excited to see P2A be named as the 2023 Canadian National Gravel Championship. As more cyclists discover the unique adrenaline rush associated with gravel cycling – both in races and recreational rides – this demanding yet rewarding discipline will only continue to grow in popularity!
MTB Provincials returning to Kelso.
This year’s mountain bike (MTB) calendar will have some returning events with more to come in the coming weeks. Whether you are a fan of watching or competing yourself, it appears 2023 will be an exciting year for MTB riders in the province! For the 2023 Ontario Cup MTB series & Provincial Championships, Ontario Cycling is partnering with local clubs, municipalities, and mountain bike venues around the province. The OCup series will consist of three mountain bike events (Mulmer, Oro-Medonte, Sudbury), with two returning to the series for 2023 after a multi-year hiatus. We are also thrilled to be back at Kelso, a favourite venue for our MTB community, for our Provincial Championships.
More races to come.
Our initial calendar release is just the beginning of what will be an exciting season, with more events being added throughout the season. With events popping up across the province, it’s hard not to get excited about the season ahead and the thrill of experiencing new locations and challenges. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, you’re sure to find a race that will get you excited about the season ahead. And don’t forget to stop by and say hello at the OC Team! We are all excited to hit the road with our OCup Series and Championship events and cannot wait to get the season started! Come discover Ontario Cycling!
