The 68th Tour Di Via Italia, one of North America's longest-running cycling races, took over the streets of Windsor's Little Italy neighbourhood on Sunday, drawing competitors of all ages for a high-speed circuit. The approximately 1.8-kilometre loop began and ended on Erie Street East, winding clockwise along Parent Avenue, Giles Boulevard, and Howard Avenue before returning to the start.
A Tradition of Excellence
Nick Dwyer, president of the Tour Di Via Italia, attributed the race's enduring success to a commitment to quality. "People know what they're going to get when they come here," Dwyer said. "We try to get ahead of things and keep the racers informed, so that we can make it kind of stress-free for them." He highlighted the "standard of excellence that we strive for" as a key factor, noting that the event would be cancelled rather than compromised.
Dwyer also emphasized the race's appeal, including better prize money than most races and a vibrant cultural atmosphere tied to Italian heritage. "We provide an atmosphere because we have the city-centre kind of cultural event that's always been big for us, that we can tie it into kind of Italian flavour," he added.
Racers and Spectators
Among the participants was Jeff Schiller, a veteran racer who has stood on the podium 12 times at this event. The race attracted families like Maurice and Sonia Ruelland, who cheered on their son Rocco, a competitor in both the men's A and B races. "You know what, this race brings such a great community together," said Maurice, a retired racer. "It's always beautiful weather, it seems, and yeah, it just brings a lot of people together. It's just a fantastic race to see."
Spectators lined the barriers on Erie Street, while others enjoyed snacks and refreshments at nearby cafes and restaurants. Long-time fan Sam Palmeri, who has attended for over 30 years, expressed mild disappointment at the turnout. "I used to like more people coming around to watch, you know. It was nice," he said. "But looks like for a few years that people disappear."
Prize Money and Results
The race attracted strong competition for medals, bragging rights, and cash prizes. The top prize was $750 in both the men's and women's A divisions, with over $9,000 in total prize money awarded. For full results, visit the official Tour Di Via Italia website.
