April 10, 2007 – With 16 stages of racing behind them, riders faced the toughest and most challenging stage to date going into the final event of the RWR/ Peak Winter series. Over a tough 40km course with climbs pushing 10%, riders were put to the test. Fitness and endurance played a major part in the final outcome with more than one rider cracking in the later parts of the stage thanks to the constant climbing and steep gradient changes.

With the series already wrapped up in their categories before starting the final stage, Sue Schlatter and Marc Boudreau could have afforded to cruise through the final day. However, both riders were not content to cruise and decided to test their limits once more. The men’s field had a few new faces at the end of the day when Patrick Seguin climbed into second place (1:19:20.1) while BC rider Ted Russo took third (1:19:59.2). However, as has been the case over the last few stages, Marc Boudreau put in a ride that was in a class of its own when he posted a time of 1:16:09.6 to take the win.

Sue Schlatter’s dominance in the woman’s category continued once again in stage 17 while other riders were pushing themselves to new limits. Tenille Hoogland finished in second (1:24:10.9) with Cathy Bodnoff riding to a third place finish with a time of 1:34:03.2.

Final GC
At the end of 17 races, the top 14 stage finishes from each rider where added up to determine the final GC champions in three divisions. Although Marc Boudreau (Men’s A) and Sue Schlatter (Women) had the series locked up going in the final stage, other riders kept the GC battles alive right to the end. With two of the three category championship going to the east coast riders, West coast honours where upheld with Ted Russo taking the top spot on the podium in the Men’s B category with fellow BC rider Brian Griffin taking third 3rd..

For more information on the GC or any other stage results, visit www.ridewithrendall.com

Men’s A Final GC
1. Marc Boudreau 265pts
2. Warren MacDonald 239pts
3. Rick Sudac 169pts

Women’s Final GC
1. Sue Schlatter 286pts
2. Tenille Hoogland 253pts
3. Cynthia Wilson 169pts

Men’s B Final GC
1. Ted Russo 264pts
2. Ray Balcolm 203pts
3. Brian Griffin 194pts

Easton
Perhaps taking the biggest prize of all was won by Marc Gagne who finished off the series with a brand new pair of Easton Tempest 2 wheels courtesy of Easton from OGC Canada. Riders who took part in or purchased 10 to 17 race packages were entered into a draw for the wheel set with Easton bike shop dealer Greg Christie, from Greg Christie’s Ski and Cycle Works, drawing the winning name from the list of riders. Click here for more info on Easton products.

Special Thanks
I would like to thank all the riders, volunteers and sponsors that took part to make this year’s series a success. Without you, the series would be nothing so thanks again.

Special thanks to:
Easton and OGC Canada www.ogc.ca; Peak Centre for Human Performance www.peakcentre.ca