April 11, 2011 (Nanaimo, BC) – MIVA cycling would like to extend a special invitation to all Nanaimo cyclists to come out and participate in their events. We have been hosting early season criteriums on Sundays, the last one coming up on Sunday April 17th. Then there will be Tuesday weekly criteriums along with our Thursday Time Trials on the Nanaimo Lakes Road starting on April 14th.

I have been a cyclist in the mid island region on and off for the better part of 20 years, there has always been a gap in local events for racing cyclists. In my years, I have seen many events disappear from lack of participation or from organizer burnout! We have a solid committee, prepared to continue putting on great events, but that can only happen if we have competitors. Our last two events were participated in primarily from out of town riders. Come on Nanaimo riders – show your support for a great event and contribute to the building of a great mid island racing community. – Iain Hay (MIVA)

MIVA Criterium #3 Report
The awful weather (driving rain and a strong NW wind) kept most away today, but those who did come to ride were from as far away as Victoria and Comox.

In the kid’s event, James Winter, seven years old, was the only entrant, so he and dad Tony rode the two laps just for experience. He completed the double circuit of Boxwood in a very creditable 8′ 26″.

As the numbers were small, the two novice riders combined with the “big guys” and completed 15minutes in the afternoon downpour. Brodie Hay, was just edged by mom, Charlene, in 20′ 47″

In the main event, of 40 minutes plus five laps, the intermediate duo of Ray Wagner riding for Comox CC. And Phil Birrer, MIVA’s treasurer, riding in his first ever road race, combined with the expert quintette of Tom Malocznski and Alex Hui of Pro City Racing, Doug Merrick of Comox CC. Russ Hays’ Aaron Dusseault and Independent Patrick Paquette.

Triathlete Birrer was strong but lost several lengths each time the bunch sprinted out of the sharp top corner of the circuit and rode most of the race as a time tria, finishing well over a lap down.

The rest of the starters stayed pretty much together and, although Wagner and each of the expert riders attempted lone breakaways during the race, with a lap to go, they were all together.

The expected sprint from Alex Hui did not materialise and, at the line, it was strong man Malocznski just edging out surprise second Paquette, with Dusseault finishing a close third.

Winning the intermediate event was Comox’ Wagner who finished fourth overall.

A big thank you to volunteers Dave Kenny, John Hannon, Kyle Waring, Iain Hay and Gary Vermette who braved the awful conditions to set up and take down the course and marshal.

The final event in MIVA’s weekend criterium series will be on Sunday 17th. Of April when Environment Canada assures us we will be blessed with blue skies and mild temperatures.

Results

Kids (2 laps)
1. James Winter (MIVA) 8′ 26″

Novice (9 laps)
1. Charlene Hay (MIVA) 20′ 47″
2. Brodie Hay (MIVA) s.t.

Intermediate (26 laps)
1. Ray Wagner (Comox C.C.) 51′ 12″
2. Phil Birrer (MIVA) At 1 lap

Expert (26 laps)
1. Tom Maloczynski (Pro City Cycle) 20′ 47″
2. Patrick Paquette (Independent) s.t.
3. Aaron Dusseault (Russ Hays) s.t.
4. Doug Merrick (Comox CC/MIVA) At 3″
5. Alex Hui (Pro City Cycle) At 5″