April 23, 2010 (Maple Ridge, BC) – Race the Ridge Stage Race presented by Local Ride Bike Shop in Maple Ridge, May 1-2, is BC’s toughest cycling stage race and that’s how event organizer Barry Lyster wants it. “This race isn’t for the faint of heart,” he said. “It’s for strong riders who want to challenge themselves on three beautifully demanding courses. This is bike racing. It’s supposed to be hard.”

The two-day, three-stage event is set to be the best edition in the race’s eight-year history. Riders will take to the roads of Maple Ridge next weekend and test themselves against the clock, the terrain, and each other in a trio of competitions: a hilly road race, a leg searing individual time trial, and a high-speed, high action criterium located in the Maple Ridge downtown core. Each stage is timed and the rider with the lowest cumulative time at the end of the weekend will be declared the winner. Each unique race course showcases the diversity and beauty of the Maple Ridge area as a cycling and tourism destination, while offering exciting and spectator-friendly events.

Lyster wants participants to push their limits: “Even though Race the Ridge isn’t the National Championships, many of our racers will be competing at Nationals, BC Superweek, and other international events this season. The harder we make our race, the better prepared riders will be for the incredibly difficult races coming later in the season.”

The most challenging day of the weekend will be Saturday, which includes the Thorn Hill road race – a multi-lap physical and tactical contest on a rolling 13km loop, followed by the 23km Golden Ears individual time trial – an all-out effort that pits the rider against the clock. Such two-event days are not only physically demanding, but also mentally, and often indicate who has what it takes to win the overall. Historically, “double days” have led to significant cycling moments. In 1986, Canadian cycling legend Alex Stieda won the yellow Tour de France leader’s jersey on a split stage that included a road race and a team time trial on the same day, to become the first North American to lead cycling’s most prestigious – and toughest – race.

After a good night’s sleep, racers will hit downtown Maple Ridge at high speed on May 2 for the city’s signature sporting event of the year – Race the Ridge’s new and improved Town Core Criterium. This fast-paced, aggressive race will see riders taking risks in order to come out on top, and spectators will be able to watch the entire race unfold on the short, technical course.

New to the Race the Ridge repertoire is a youth stage race. “We’re adding a U17 stage race for girls and boys aged 10 to 17. This is a real stage race for kids,” said Lyster. In addition, even younger pedalers will have the opportunity to race for free at a kid’s competition in downtown Maple Ridge on May 2, during the criterium races.

“Our goal is to run an event that is challenging and fun for all participants,” said Local Ride Racing Team Manager Paul Craig.

“With three fantastic races, combined with the new provincial category structure and a 75-rider limit on each field, we expect races to sell out quickly,” said Lyster. Along with high-quality races, $5,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs.

Registration for the fun yet grueling stage race is now open online at www.karelo.com.