May 10, 2018 (Penticton, B.C.) – Mother Nature has prompted organizers of the Hayman Classic to map out a new course for this year’s road race, one they can pull off the shelf if needed.

The traditional course climbs into the mountains from the town of Oliver – and that’s the problem. Heavy winter snow that fell on the mountains of the South Okanagan Valley is now in full melt, bringing high water to many communities and roadways.

That includes the upper section of Hayman Classic course which, temporarily at least, is impassable by bike at two points.

If it remains unusable, the road race will shift south from Oliver to a back-up course that starts and finishes at Bartier Brothers vineyard and rolls through some of the most beautiful scenery in the South Okanagan. To see the proposed alternate course, visit here.

Whatever the final decision on the course, the Hayman Classic is set to rock and roll. Registration is approaching 100 riders, and chief organizer Ron Hayman hopes to it will go well beyond that. As of early May, there were riders enrolled from Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon, British Columbia, Washington and Oregon.

Cyclists taking part in the Hayman Classic should note that they are invited to attend a special Talent ID camp organized by Cycling Canada. The camp begins Sunday May 27 after the Hayman Classic road race and runs though Tuesday. This camp will be headed by national coach Kevin Field and will provide young riders with support and advice on making the transition from junior to senior levels of competitive cycling. For more information visit here.

Ron Hayman would also like to encourage support drivers attending this year’s event to take the 45-minute caravan driver training course offered by Cycling Canada. Qualified drivers are in particular demand for the road race. The Hayman Classic will cover the cost of the training course, which must be taken before May 21. To receive a password, email Jolene at Cycling Canada and identify yourself as a potential Hayman Classic driver – jolene.dupuis@cyclingcanada.ca.

Cyclists who wish to register for the Hayman Classic – and to see who else is registered – should go to the Hayman Classic website here. Full race details are available on the site.