Calgary's cycling community is gearing up for a series of races in memory of a fellow rider.

In 2006, Jason Lapierre was killed on Highway 1A. "He was killed while training, between Cochrane and Calgary, and it's important to me to remember a good coach, a good friend, a good training partner," says Trev Williams, the director of this weekend's race.

The Jason Lapierre Memorial Race will take riders through Acme, Sundre, and downtown Calgary.

It's also a way to raise awareness about some of the scholarships which have been set up in Lapierre's memory.

"There have been three scholarships offered so far and they are for physical education or kinesiology majors at the University of Calgary. And there's a requirement that they are all endurance athletes which is something that was vital in Jason's life," says Michael Godfrey.

Up to 200 riders have signed up for the weekend of racing. Many are taking part because they like the competition, but the biggest motivator for the participants is the cause.

"At this point in my life I'm not racing to be a pro and this is not my career anymore. I just want to feel like I'm doing something worth while and when we're spending this much time training, it's good to know that it goes to a good cause in the end," says Lachlan Holmes, a rider who has signed up for the event.

For more information about this weekend's race events, and more about the scholarships, click on the links to the right.