Volunteer FAQ
Thank you for your interest in helping us bring the roar of the peloton to Little Italy! Events like this literally cannot run without our dedicated volunteer crew. Below are answers to the most common questions about helping out.
📋 General Information
What is the time commitment?
We have shifts available throughout the weekend. You can sign up for a single 4-hour block or join us for the whole weekend! On the intake form, indicate your availability, and our volunteer coordinator will work with you to ensure you are assigned tasks that align with your expectations and abilities.
Friday: Morning pickup of barricades /signs from the city yard and delivery to the course. 9:00 AM to noon. Small crew to pick up equipment from the BRO storage
Sunday (Race Day): All day from early morning setup (7:00 AM) through the final race and cleanup (~7:30 PM)
Monday: Morning final "sweep" and equipment return to the city yard. 9:00 AM to noon
Do I need any prior experience?
Nope! Whether you're a cycling fanatic or just want to help the community, we'll provide all the training and equipment you need on-site.
🚩 Roles & Responsibilities
What does a Race Marshal do?
Marshals are our "eyes and ears" on the course. Your primary job is safety.
Directing Traffic: Ensuring pedestrians and vehicles don't wander onto the course as racers approach.
Communication: Using whistles, flags or radios to alert other marshals and spectators that the "lead moto" or the pack is coming.
Spectator Safety: Helping fans stay behind the barriers and keeping the "hot zones" clear.
Vehicle Movement: Direct the movement of vehicles into and out of the interior of the course when it is safe to do so. Vehicles should take the shortest route to enter or exit, but always in the direction of the race, which is counterclockwise. Police assistance can be called if needed. The police should be mobile, but if not, they will be stationed at critical locations. Full details of traffic flow for each barricaded entry/exit point are provided in the comprehensive Marshal Guide, which will be sent to everybody.
Signal Flags: All locations will have signal flags: Green for OK, Yellow for Caution, and Red for Stop Racing. Full details are in the Marshal Guide.
What is involved in setup and teardown?
This is the heavy lifting that makes the race possible.
Setup: Moving and interlocking metal barriers, putting up course tape, setting up the registration tents, and placing hay bales on sharp corners. Sunday morning from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Teardown: Once the final podium finishes on Sunday, we work quickly to "open the roads" by stacking barriers, removing tape, and clearing any debris from the course so Preston Street can return to normal. 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
⏱️ Logistics & Schedule
Where do I go when I arrive?
All volunteers must check in at the Volunteer Tent (located near the Start/Finish line at Preston and Norman Streets) at least 15 minutes before their shift begins to receive their vest with a new whistle and briefing. Volunteers at the beginning of the day will receive the signal flags which they will pass on to their replacements.
What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate gear: The race goes on rain or shine! Bring sunblock, a hat, or a rain jacket.
Comfortable shoes: You’ll be on your feet for most of your shift.
A reusable water bottle: We will have volunteers circulating frequently with water to fill your bottle.
A folding/camp chair: Depending on where you are located, and how comfortable you are with standing for extended periods, a seating device may come in handy.
Food is provided! You have an option to select what sandwich option you would like for Sunday. We will provide a variety of snacks brought to your locations throughout the day plus a famous sandwich from Dirienzo's Grocery on Beech St., of course if you want to bring any of your own food you are more than welcome to.
Where are the washrooms?
Poratapotties will be located in the Scotiabank parking lot, just south of the stage at Norman, and the inside of Corner #4 at Preston/Aberdeen
Is there a "Perks" package?
Yes! All volunteers receive an official event t-shirt, drinks/snacks/a Dirienzo sandwich, and our eternal gratitude. Plus, you get the best seat in the house for the races! Also provided will be entry into the volunteer draw for many many prizes provided by our sponsors. More details about those items as they come in.
❓ Common "What If" Questions
What if I see a crash?
Your priority is to remain calm and use your radio/whistle to alert the Chief Marshal and Medical Team immediately. Do not attempt to move a downed rider; wait for the professional medical staff on-site to arrive.
Can I volunteer with a friend?
Absolutely! When you sign up, mention your friend's name, and we will do our best to station you at the same corner or on the same setup crew.