The third annual Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria by GoodLife Fitness, a mass-participation cycling event, will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013.
The first Tour in 2011 was held in May and the second last year in June.
Event organizers say they shifted the date to extend the participants' summer training seasons, link with other cycling events in B.C., Alberta, Washington and Oregon and enable the event namesake, pro rider Ryder Hesjedal, the opportunity to attend the event.
"September is a great cycling month in Victoria - it's usually dry and warm," said event director Seamus McGrath.
Thousands have cycled in the first two events as the Victoria ride has become one of Canada's premier GranFondos, which are mass-participation rides.
"I am really looking forward to defending my Giro title in Italy in May, and challenging for the yellow jersey at the Tour de France again," said 2012 Giro d'Italia champion Hesjedal, in a statement.
"I'm excited to be able to join in Victoria in September to ride. September is a great time to be out on your bike in Victoria."
The routes will stay the same.
"The riders loved the variety of routes in 2012, so we'll be sticking with the three distances of 140 kilometres [starting in Victoria], 100 kilometres [starting in Langford] and 50 kilometres [starting in North Saanich]," said McGrath.
The finish line for all three distances will remain in front of the B.C. legislature on Belleville Street.
Registration is now open at tourdevictoria.com, and a detailed route map will available there in the coming weeks.
