June 12, 2003 – The SISU BC Cup & BC Road Championships will be taking place at the Norm Lowe Memorial, June 14th. Round four of the SISU BC Cup Championship brings riders to Mission, home of the Norm Lowe Memorial Road Race and BC's Road Racing Championships. Expect the unexpected, as riders tackle a combination of punishing distances and a demanding course; certain to weed out the racers lacking a strong winter base.

Set among the striking backdrop of Hatzic Valley, racers will wind their way through serene meadows and along riverbanks before attacking a stepped, three kilometer hill that often provides selection to the top racers within the first lap.

A recipe of challenging hills and long distances will play into the seasoned racer's hands, as the Senior Men's Championship distance is 165k, the longest race distance in the SISU BC Cup calendar! Senior Women will race a distance of 105km, with Junior Men competing over 120k and Junior Women racing 60k respectively.

If past performances are to be considered, experience is rewarded at the Norm Lowe Memorial, as former SISU BC Cup Champion Luca Segato has finished in the top ten over the past three years, including a sensational victory over then-teammate, Matt Usborne (Symmetrics) in '02. The distance and elevation changes are sure to play benefit to current SISU BC Cup leader, and competent climber, Larry Zimich, fresh off his win at the third round of the SISU Series. Always a factor in any race, Matt Usborne, 2002 Series Champion, is sure to be leading attacks as the road pitches upwards. After his convincing win at the Sooke Classic just a few weeks ago, newly signed Broadmark rider, Dylan Sebel, can't be disregarded as a potential victor, combining excellent climbing ability with outstanding endurance.

On the women's side, the battle for supremacy continues, as victory in the last round of the SISU BC Cup Series has brought on a new Series leader, Penticton's Sarah Noble (Bike Barn). Sarah's impressive fitness is such that she lead's BOTH the SISU BC Cup Road Series in addition to the counterpart Series, the BC Cup Off-Road Championships. Just four points shy of Noble, 2001 Series Champion and criterium specialist, Marni Prazsky (Trek-VW) is sure to play an important role to teammate and stellar climber, Suzanne Macht (Trek-VW). Coming around from her illness, Pam Egger (Escape Velocity) will also factor in the overall finishing order.

The Norm Lowe Memorial Road Race is quickly developing into the acid test for that which is to come – SuperWeek.

Sign on starts at 8:00AM, with racing beginning at 9:30AM – arrive early, settle in, and watch the excitement build as the Senior riders take to the course at high noon!

For complete detail, including directions and registration information, please go to http://www.teamsoliton.com/roadrace.htm