September 30, 2014 (Vancouver, BC) – On Sunday the Greater Vancouver cyclocross riders gathered in Vanier Park to enjoy another day of racing in one of Vancouver’s finest parks. The conditions were ideal with the best weather in its 15-year history of the event.
The organizing partners Westcoastcycling.ca and TREK Red Truck Racing presented some nice Euro-style racing on a fast rolling grass course in the very heart of the city. But it was not all about high speed. The traditional Vanier Park kids race stole the show with future champions and bike lovers aged 3-12 riding around and all over. Racing was excellent all across the categories with junior and master ranks filled with talent. The Elite Men and Women categories were dominated by athletes with international racing experience which made both races exceptionally fast:
Sandra Walter (Liv Canada) didn’t wait around for long to take control of her race and led it from the start in an impressive fashion that put the fear into a good number of male elite racers who started a couple of minutes ahead. Following closely at the beginning was Denise Ramsden (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies) who started her cross career just a day prior at Foreshore Park. But the efforts took a toll later and at the end she managed to stay ahead of Maggie Coles-Lyster (Local Ride Racing).
Craig Richey (Trek Red Truck Racing) had a full hour of racing to work out a winning strategy but it took him just a bit more than a lap to take the lead – and never looked back. Behind him was defending champion Kevin Calhoun (Rocky Mountain) picking some good lines and staying out of trouble while organizing the chase. Among the chasers was veteran racer and former Canadian Master cross champion Bob Welbourn (Glotman Simpson). So after nearly 65 minutes of racing it came down to the final bike throw to tip the scale in favor of experience (Welbourn) over finesse (Calhoun).
In the Master Men category matters were tight as well where the final sprint to the line decided top three spots: Jake Howe (Todd’s Racing) in first, Colin Campbell (Escape Velocity p/b Catalyst Kinetics) in second and mountain bike all-rounder Mike Hunter (Different Bikes) rounding out the podium.
Full Results
Intermediate Men/Women, Single Speed here.
Photos hereThis event would not be possible without the support of the Vancouver Parks Board and generous sponsors: