Tour of Alberta brings world class cyclists to Edmonton

After an almost 600-kilometre race around the province that ended in Edmonton,American cyclistRobin Carpenter was crowned champion ofthe 2016 Tour of Alberta on Monday.

Carpenter was one of more than 100 cyclists from around the world who became very familiar with Alberta this weekend.

"We started in Lethbridge on Sept. 1, then we ended up going to Kananaskis, and Olds, and then hit Drayton Valley, and Rocky Mountain House," saidDuaneVienneau, president and CEO of the the tour.

Hundreds of cycling fans crowded streets across the provinceto watch the cyclists whizz by, and to support them along their final, gruelling122 kilometres.

Matt Dyck came from Lac La Bicheto compete in the velothon, the amateur race in downtown Edmonton before the pros hit the streets.

He was excited to see his province shine on a world stage.

"I think it's fantastic," he said."I follow cycling and all the other tours so just to see it here in Alberta, and the tourism, and to see all the volunteers out there helping,I think it's great for the city."

Mayor Don Iveson said he hopesthe success of both the ITU Triathlon and the Tour of Alberta on the weekend will highlight Edmonton as a city of world class events.

"We've really positioned ourselves around summer sport excellence, triathlon in particular," Iveson said. "And cycling is increasingly something that Edmonton is putting a stake in the ground on. But this is a fantastic place to train,compete in the summer, and then to train all yearround."

Organizers say they are well into planning for the 2017 Tour of Alberta and hope to bring even more elite athletes to the province.