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Cross on the Rock #1 – Coal Cross Report, Results, Photos

release by Cross on the Rock

October 07, 2013 (Cumberland, BC) – A lot of mud was taken from Cumberland today after a wet and wild day of cyclocross at Coal Cross. The threat of torrential rainfall didn‚t deter an incredible 190 participants from turning up to start their race season, get coated in mud, and pack it all back in their cars!

The last few years have seen hot and dry conditions, pushing 30 Celsius, but we were back to what we‚ve seen at historic races in Cumberland on the old course across town.

The course was quite similar to two years ago, with the exception of mud…the course was about 75% mud, 15% firm grass, and the rest can be described as Œother‚. For features it included the full BMX track (and only one casualty this year, heal up quick!), the Sandpit of Doom (which was anything but dooming this year, with firm, packed sand), the pumptrack, and lots of grass including a massive whirly-whirl. Added in this year was the Canyon Jump ˆ a pretty hefty ramp that few dared ride ˆ although the alternative cost 5-10 seconds. In the Intermediate race, we saw it progress a rider 5 places on their second lap!

A smart addition was a second set of barriers immediately before a steep grassy incline, which became a mudpit and a very slippery ascent to run up. On the whole, a very well designed course, and if offered a great number of technical challenges, but not so much that fitness didn‚t count.

Beginners
The top male rider to slide across the finish was Nicolas Parlee(Trail Bikes), followed by Mark Grant(Vipyers), both who had the home advantage and Bruce McClintock(Ind) finished a minute and a half behind.

Top female Beginner was Louise Proulx(Ind) who had a hearty lead, and we saw great efforts from Michelle Dann(Tripleshot Cycling) and Salinas LaPerriere(Blue Toque). There were 33 men and 8 women Beginners racing!

Intermediate
In the world of the Intermediate Men, young Chris Sundry(OBB Westshore) took top honours, and might be encouraged to move up to Expert..again…! David Huntly(Ind), in 2nd, is also an Expert regular who appears keen to sandbag his way onto the podium! Justin Wolf rounded out the Top 3 with a consistent effort, in this packed field of 44.

On the Women’s side young Tarryn Cote(Pro City Racing ˆ VAC) lead the field of 18 for several laps, but was eventually overtaken by Erin Copeland(Ind). CotR darling Amanda Wakeling(Trail Bikes / Eatmore Spouts) was a welcome sight, finishing a strong 3rd out of 18 women.

Intermediate Singlespeeders David Pechter(Ind) and Laurie Kalf(Muddbunnies) were the fastest without gears.

Youth
We’ve added a few Youth categories, to recognize the youngsters, and the fastest U13 riders today were Evan Luksay(Ind) and Emilly Johnston(Ind). Mark Grant was recognized as top U15, this honour is open for the next race, so give it a shot, U15 girls! In U17, James Grant(Vipyers) spun his tires fastest, as did Kia Vander Villet(Trail Bikes). To paraphrase Chef from Southpark: “nice riding, children!”

Masters Men
Now to the opposite end of the age field, the geriatric Masters Men! It remains the largest field, with 47 starters today that are 40 or over. Dylan Reeves(Ind) won a sprint finish against Steve Bachup(Ind), who had to work his way through nearly the entire field with a low call-up. David Damery(Trail Bikes) represented the local old guys well, with 3rd only 30 seconds back.

In the Really Old Guys field of 50+, Bill McMillan(Ind) was first across the line, and Lee Blaise(Alberni Singlespeeders) took the Masters Gearless trophy, and had the distinction of being the only Master rider on a cross bike to hit the Canyon Jump!

Open Women
Wendy Simms(KONA) is back at it, and even riding a full-suspension MTB wasn‚t enough to hold her back as she takes her first Cross on the Rock victory of the year! Perennial series champ Dawn Anderson(Oak Bay Bikes ˆ Victoria Wheelers) had to concede a minute, and Carey Mark(Steed Cycles) finished hot on her heels..it looks like there will be some serious dueling in the Open Women‚s field this year! No SS racers out of the 11 riders.

Open Women
Coming out of retirement with a bang was Tyler Trace(Ind), owning the course by almost 2 minutes, and lapping nearly half the 29-strong field. So close, yet so far away were Raphael Lalumiere(Russ Hays / Accent Inns) and Kelly Guest(Straight Up Cycles), who chased hard nearly the entire race. Parker Bloom(Ind) had the distinction of edging out the World‚s Fastest Man Sam Whittingham(Ind) in the SS category – perhaps Sam should instal some fairings on his self-made Œcross bike!

Media
Video of the Open Men from Jon Watkin: here

Photos from Patrick Burnham: here

Photos from Nicholas Kupiak: here

Gratitude
From Lisa and Curtis, main event organizers:

Our other thanks go to our amazing volunteers, who I am sure are reeling in the cyclocross hangover that we experienced as the monsoon beat over our heads last night…
– Nicole Rippel, Sara Cherewaty and Andrea Keenan (registration)
– Hilary Grant, Colin Wilson (timing)
– the sages of result-dom – Katie and Roland
– Matt Powsey (MC)
– Damien and Amanda (DJs)
– Alicia Saunders (kids race, et al.)
– Ryan, Tristan, Gary and Jeff Beeston from Trail Bikes (course set-up and perfection of the ghetto canyon jump transition)
– Comox Valley Cycle Club minions (and mom Andrea)
– Amanda, Carmen and Glenn Wakeling at Eatmore Sprouts
– UROC, Riding Fool Hostel, DCC, Mtn City Cycle for tent and table loaners
– Coal Hills BMX and their concession
– No “off-switch” Norm
– Rollie Thibault (peanut gallery/comic relief)
– and everyone else who did little things to help us with course set up/take down – you all made this so easy! Thank you!

Retail and Prizing:
– A huge thanks for their generous contributions: Trail Bikes and Steve Pukesh from Norco Bikes
– Seeds Natural Foods for Kids’ refreshments
– Dark Side Chocolates for the kids’ race CHOCOLATE medals
– Blue Toque Sports Consignment, Courtenay, BC
– Dodge City Cycles, Cumberland, BC
– Sam Whittingham and Naked Bikes, Quadra Island
– Ride Coffee, Quadra Island Cyclery
– Archie Pateman (Cumberland Crate Company; Cumberland Brothers Bluegrass)
– Mt. Washington Alpine Resort

Final Words
Next up is the Binab GP, Presented by Pro City Cycling, October 14th at Western Speedway in Victoria – you won‚t want to miss it!

Event details & Registration: here





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