Ottawa Italian Fest wraps up with racing tradition

Between a bike race and tasty bites, Italian Fest in Ottawa wrapped up in style Sunday afternoon. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Bike Race Ottawa’s Preston Criterium took over the streets of Little Italy Sunday.

It’s the final event of Italian Week in Ottawa, a racing tradition for over half a century and one of the oldest cycling races in Canada.

Hundreds of cyclists thrilled the crowd with a series of races from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages and abilities were welcome, and prizes were awarded to the top finishers.

Ottawa native Darryl Arvai took home top spot in the CAT C/D race, which started the day. He finished in the top three in last year’s event and says being able to have his two sons Jacob and Rivers by his side this year makes it extra special.

“It’s amazing, they both cycle and we do it together often,” Arvai said.

“(Rivers) is racing this morning, it’s a great way to spend Father’s Day.”

Kris Westwood is an organizer for the event with Bike Race Ottawa. He says the event is one he looks forward to every year, welcoming in residents as well as riders from other cities.

“It’s action all day long but what’s really fun is being able to have the young kids, 13- to 15-year-olds, who are then also able to cheer on their hero’s,” Westwood said.

Westwood adds this year marked the return of vendors, with tents set up along Preston Street for food, drinks and other biking merchandise.

This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Criterium. The event is the second oldest running bicycle race in Canada.

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