January 22/18 11:18 am - Sault Ste Marie To Host Crank The Shield (Ontario)

Posted by Editoress on 01/22/18
 

Hundreds of mountain bike racers and enthusiasts from across North America will be pedaling in and around Sault Ste. Marie this summer. The community has been selected to host Crank The Shield, a multi-day cycling odyssey. Taking place August 17 - 19, the event was secured by Tourism Sault Ste. Marie.

"Our team is always looking to bringing in new sports tournaments, conferences and special events, and we're very excited to have secured Crank The Shield for the summer of 2018," said Ian McMillan, Executive Director of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. "We look forward to working with organizers on delivering a top-notch, memorable event, one that fills a ton of hotel rooms and leaves a significant economic impact on our city."

Hosted by Chico Racing and Superfly Racing, Crank The Shield has been taking place in communities across Ontario since 2008. The event is held in - or in close proximity to - the Canadian Shield. Given its location and natural beauty, Sault Ste. Marie was seen as a logical host city. Organizers hope to make the community an annual stop.

"The Algoma region offers excellent terrain, and we know riders are going to be very impressed with the quality of the trails and landscapes around Sault Ste. Marie," said Sean Ruppel, President of Superfly Racing. "In the first year, we're projecting between 150 and 250 participants, with potential growth to 400 participants in subsequent years."

The Sault Ste. Marie edition of Crank The Shield will feature a number of components. On the first day, participants will take the Agawa Canyon Tour Train to the starting point along the ACR rail line, then embark on a 90 kilometre cycling stretch. Day 2 will have run of 80 kilometres, and the third day will feature a 70 kilometre ride ending in Sault Ste Marie. To register, or to learn more, visit www.cranktheshield.com.