March 21, 2008 — Stage 15 of the Ride with Rendall/Peak Winter Series threw more than one challenge at the riders. Faced with a hilly 32.4km course, riders had to decide if they were going to pay now or pay later. For many, the choice was to either go out hard on the successive eight percent grades that awaited the challengers early on and hope to hang on or conserve early and save it for the monster eight near the end.

On what is classified as a long course in the series, a trail of cracked riders riddled the course in the latter part of the stage. Not to be deterred, Marc Boudreau stayed focused and threw down the gauntlet and became the only rider to break the hour with a time of 59:07.1. Second place on the stage went to Jim Tsilemos and first year Espoir rider Thomas Devisscher took third (1:01:13.8 vs 1:02:31.5). Thanks to his mental focus, Boudreau also took first in the Pedal KOM competition by averaging an impressive 4.42 watts/kg over the course. Patrick Seguin narrowly took second (4.14 avg. watts/kg) and BC rider Ted Russo took third (4.14 avg. watts/kg )

The women’s field saw some new faces on the podium. Monica Kvas took the stage with a time of 1:20:21.1. Less than seven seconds behind, Nicola Johnson finished in second with a time of 1:20:26.9. Following closely behind the battle for first was Melanie Provenchier. Her time of 1:23:26.7 rounded out the podium. Top spots where shuffled amongst the stage winners in the Pedal QOM competition. Johnson took the top spot (2.92 avg. watts/kg) over Kvas (2.91 avg. watts/kg), with Provenchier again taking third (2.74 avg. watts/kg).

Check out more in-depth results at www.ridewithrendall.com.

Stage 16 is racked up to be another battle of the top guns as the series hits another of its long courses. Riders will be challenged by a rolling course that constantly switches up tempo as the gradients change. The stage will also be part of the MAXXIS Sprinter competition, so watch for some high maximum wattages being recorded as riders chase stage glory and sprint bragging honors.

With only a few more stages to go, RWR would once again like to take the time to thank all of the riders and the series’ sponsors, Easton, Pedal, Maxxis, and the Peak Center.

To book your start time, call:
– Vancouver, Peak Centre, (604) 299-7959
– Montreal, Peak Centre Mansfield, (514) 390-1230
– Ottawa, Peak Centre, (613) 737-PEAK or use the online booking system at www.ridewithrendall.com

Remember, Sunday heats are now available in Ottawa with modified heat times and a NEW sound system.