August 10, 2008 (Panorama Mountain Village, BC) — The 7th annual TransRockies kicks off on Sunday as 500 mountain bikers from 26 countries undertake this epic, 7-day adventure through the Kootenay Rockies while tackling 18,000 metres of elevation.

And once again Team Pedal-Kona will be on the start line as two local Vancouver riders, veteran team leader, Paul Newitt, and TR newbie, Ray LaChance, begin their final pre-race preparations. Newitt is one of only three participants to have completed all six TR events and is poised to become the only rider to complete all seven TRs.

With 250 teams on the start line riders will plunge into the fray on day 1 as they depart the comforts of Panorama Mountain Village and begin their first brutal climb. Six grueling days later, those that are bruised but intact, will finish this journey of a lifetime in Fernie, BC, the traditional start of the TR.

For the seventh consecutive year Team Pedal-Kona will be there every click of the way providing daily updates at the end of each stage and the inside scoop from this epic adventure race — visit www.pedalmag.com for our daily TR coverage.

Many thanks to our sponsors Kona, Specialized Canada, Norco, Auclair, Rudy Project, Enervit and the many other supporters who help to make this event happen.

2008 TransRockies Stages
1. August 10 – Panorama to K2 Ranch – 52.3km, 2,478m
2. August 11 – K2 Ranch to Nipika Resort – 73.7km, 3,813m
3. August 12 – Nipika Resort to Nipika Resort – 44.2km, 1,514m
4. August 13 – Nipika Resort to Whiteswan Lake – 109.7km, 2,567m
5. August 14 – Whiteswan to Lake Elkford – 88.5km, 2,147m
6. August 15 – Elkford to Crowsnest Pass – 102.4km, 2,998m
7. August 16 – Crowsnest Pass to Fernie – 78.8km, 2,101m