Preston Street Bicycle Races (Criterium)

The 52nd edition of Ottawa’s longest-running bike race closes Preston Street in Little Italy and transforms Corso Italia into a criterium racecourse with events for juniors, masters, and elite cyclists throughout Father’s Day Sunday. This free-to-spectate event draws hundreds of racers and thousands of fans, with Little Italy’s famous patios and restaurants buzzing around the course all day for a true street festival atmosphere. Registration for participant riders is available at bikeraceottawa.com; spectators can watch for free at any point along the route with no ticket required. The race serves as the official kickoff to the Italian Festival Grand Finale Weekend and has been a Little Italy tradition since the 1970s. Preston Street is accessible by OC Transpo on Routes 2 and 14, with street parking in the surrounding neighbourhood. Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.