January 11, 2008 – Stage 4 of the Ride with Rendall/Peak Winter Series took place this past week across the country.

For the first time in the series, riders were lining up not only with an eye on the stage win but also other competitions. Stage 4 was highlighted by being the first stage of four designated as a sprint stage in the Maxxis Sprint Competition where riders’ maximum wattage at the end of the stage is divided into their body weight to see just who is the stage’s Sprint King/Queen. Fittingly, Ottawa’s Mike Nash once again took the stage win and put his stamp of glory on the win when he powered to an impressive 14.24 watts /kg in the final sprint to also take the MAXXIS sprint jersey. Patrick Seguin (Hull Quebec) put on a hard charge on the hills only to lose time on the flats and downhills and eventually finished with a time of 45: 45.3. The eastern bragging rights for a podium streak were broken when Vancouver’s Ted Russo rode his way into 3rd place with a time of 47:08.4.

In the women’s category, Tenille Hoogland rode steadily to another stage win with an eclipsing time of 48:11.6 – a time good enough for 6 th overall. Wendy Blagdon and Kathy Brady finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively, with times of 53:00.6 and 54:48.5. While Hoogland has established a good lead in the overall GC, the Maxxis Sprint Competition may be a bigger challenge for the triathlete. Kathy Bradey wound up the sprint to record an impressive 8.76 watts/kg.

With stage 5 entering the hills starting this weekend, all eyes will be on Nash and Bradey to see if indeed sprinters can climb. The stage will be riddled with climbing and will be part of the Pedal KOM Competition. The sprinters’ fortunes and all others will be weighed out to see who has the best average power to weight.

The Ride with Rendall/Peak Winter Racing Indoor Series is designed for fun and fitness, with the overall GC based on points. The series is for all levels of ability, so come grab your bike and lets go. In addition to the MAXXIS and PEDAL competitions, riders who ride more than 10 races will be eligible for a chance to win a pair of EASTON wheels.

To book your start time, call:

– Vancouver, Peak Centre, (604) 299-7959
– Canmore, Life Works, (403) 609-2019
– Montreal, Peak Centre Mansfield, (514) 390-1230
– Ottawa, Peak Centre, (613) 737-PEAK or visit the online booking system

For more information, results, and registration, go to www.ridewithrendall.com.

Sunday heats are now available in Ottawa starting this weekend. Check the schedule for details.