May 21, 2003 – After an undeniably successful kickoff to the SISU BC Cup Road Racing Series, where racers turned out in close-to-record numbers to compete in the Harris – Roubaix Classic, the second installment of the six event SISU Championship Series is set for the weekend of, May 24th and 25th along Vancouver Island's rugged west coast. Set in the town of Victoria, the Times Colonist Cycling Festival encompasses two marquee events in one stage race – the Sooke Classic Road Race and the Bastion Square Grand Prix. The Sooke Classic, formerly known as the Gary Lund Road Race, will be replacing the old Mt. Tolmie road course, introducing with it, a more challenging, technically demanding course. With rolling hills, off camber turns, and further out, twisting descents and equally challenging climbs, the Sooke Classic promises to test even the most fit category 1 racers.

The Bastion Square Grand Prix, held in the heart of Olde Towne Victoria, just blocks away from the Parliament, is equally technical, as racers plummet down Yates Street at speeds approaching 65km/h before negotiating a tight left hand corner – dubiously named “Crash Corner” – and hammering back up and across the finish on Fort Street, all this in front of thousands of screaming fans.

A well rounded rider will walk away victorious, as climbing, sprinting and bike handling skills will all be key factors to placing well in this stage race. Expect current SISU BC Cup men's leader Larry Zimich (Campione) to be on form throughout the weekend, hot off his win in the SISU BC Cup opener. Watch for local Island resident, Matt Usborne (Symmetrics), to fight for top spot, showing excellent fitness after several notable finishes early in the season, including second overall in the grueling Columbia Plateau Stage Race. Other riders to look for include Symmetrics' racers Scott Goguen and Min Van Velzen, and climbing sensation, Sean Dawson (Trek-VW).

On the women's side, Marni Prazsky (Trek-VW) is quietly and confidently going about her business, clinching a win in the first SISU BC Cup, and placing well in several Northwest events, including top finishes at Nooksack and the Enumclaw Stage Race. Teammate Suzanne Macht (Trek-VW), known for her climbing ability, is also showing well, marked by a phenomenal ride to fourth overall at the Columbia Plateau Stage Race and a fine second place finish at the challenging Enumclaw Stage Race. Expect new comer Sarah Noble (Bike Barn) to be a factor in the road race, putting her excellent bike handling skills to use, and showing others how to climb. Also challenging for top spot, expect to see Pam Egger (Escape Velocity) and Lisa Sweeney (Speed Queens), together with the phenomenally experienced Sara Neil (Trek-VW).

For complete event details, including registration information, please check out http://www.victoriacyclingfestival.com/

SISU BC Cup Standings after round 1

Cat 1 & 2 Men – Name Team Points
Larry Zimich Campione 10
Matt Usborne Symmetrics 8
Brian Ecker Recycled Cycles N/A – Out of Province Rider
Steve Colborne Symmetrics 7
Paul Blanchette Rocky Mountain Bikes 6
Derek McMaster PartOne International 5
Andrew Pinfold Atlas Cold Italpasta 4
James Neil Trek/Volkswagen 3
Shawn Bunnin Kona N/A – Out of Province Rider
Warren Ellis Bike Barn 2

Open Women
Marni Prazsky Trek/Volkswagen 10
Lisa Sweeney Kappa Alfatech 8
Sarah Noble Bike Barn 7
Heather Parrote Team Opus 6
Sara Neil Trek/Volkswagen 5
Barb Zimich Dizzy Cycles 4
Moriah MacGregor Dizzy Cycles 3

Men's Team Points
Symmetrics 6
Campione 5
Rocky Mountain Bikes 2
PartOne International 2
Atlas Cold Italpasta 2
Trek/Volkswagen 2
Bike Barn 1

Women's Team Team
Trek/Volkswagen 7
Kappa Alfatech 4
Dizzy Cycles 4
Bike Barn 3
Team Opus 2