July 28, 2003 (White Rock, BC) – Amid sunny and hot conditions, the race for the SISU BC Cup Series Crown came down to the final event of the Series, Tour de White Rock's infamous Road Race. With its challenging hills and harrowing descents, the course promised to test both, the physical ability and the bike handling skills of each racer.

In what was perhaps the tightest points race in years, the chase for the Men's title came down to three riders, all within three points of each other. Leading the fray was Matt Usborne (Symmetrics), followed closely by Larry Zimich (Campione) and, leaping into third after picking up maximum points at the Delta Road Race and earning the Amateur Rider Title, Sean Dawson (Trek-VW).

In a race animated by the large pro contingent, local-rider-turned-pro, Svein Tuft (Prime Alliance), broke away early, staying away for several laps before being reeled in by riders from Jelly Belly and ItalPasta. Tuft's teammate, Danny Pate, former Espoir Time Trial World Champion, and convincing winner of Saturday Night's Criterium, bridged across and attacked the leaders, taking only Jelly Belly's Ben Brooks with him. Brooks would go on to win the final sprint and take the win, with Pate a close second, and Tyler Farrar (Jelly Belly) third.

Local talent saw National Team Member Cory Lange (Symmetrics/Marco Polo) ride to a fine 5th overall, with current BC Cup MTB Series leader and Test of Metal winner, Andrew Kyle, taking 8th, followed closely title challenger Dawson, Rick Minichiello (Symmetrics), and Usborne. Zimich, known for his climbing, rode to a conservative 31st after sustaining injuries from an altercation in Delta's Criterium, one week earlier.

The women's Title race was equally exciting, with former Canada Games rider Lisa Sweeney (Kappa) engaged in a two-way battle with accomplished cross-country racer, Sarah Noble (Bike Barn) and former SISU BC Cup Champion, Marni Prazsky (Trek-VW), all within a 10 point spread.

After displaying her climbing ability early during Friday night's Hill Climb, the focus was on Noble, as she set a course record on the steep climb up Buena Vista Avenue. No stranger to hilly courses, Noble finished 2nd overall in the Columbia Plateau Stage Race as a member of the BC Team, and was a clear favorite for Sunday morning's road race.

For much of the morning, the women's peloton stayed together, only dropping riders as the tempo surged up the hills of Columbia and the feedhill of Magdalen. As predicted, Noble waited until the last lap to unleash an attack along the stepped hill of Columbia, quickly opening a gap over the ensuing pack. Only Rona-Esker rider Kristen Lasasso was able to answer the attack, but unable to bridge the gap with only a half-lap to the finish. Noble crossed the line with a convincing victory, followed by Lasasso. The pack sprint saw Prazsky take Andrea Hannos (Rona-Esker) in a photo-finish for third and fourth, with Title contender, Sweeney rounding out the top five.

After six sensational events, with only two repeat winners (Zimich and Noble), the SISU BC Cup Road Racing Championship Series draws to an end. Overall Champion, Matt Usborne (Symmetrics) retains his title from 2002, while Lisa Sweeney (Kappa) climbs to the top step in the Women's Championship.

 SISU BC CUP Top 3 Riders (Men)
 Matt Usborne       Symmetrics         Nanaimo
 Sean Dawson      Trek-VW            Vancouver
 Larry Zimich        Campione         N. Vancouver

 SISU BC CUP Top 3 Riders (Women)
 Lisa Sweeney       Kappa            Langley
 Sarah Noble       Bike Barn           Penticton
 Marni Prazsky       Trek-VW            Vancouver

Cycling BC would like to thank the Series Sponsors, SISU Health, PowerBar,
the Government of Canada, Pedal, and Caravan Canopies for their ongoing
support of the Series, and also thanks the hundreds of racers that took
parting all the Series events, in addition to the event organizers, without
which, there couldn't be such a fantastic Series.

Cycling BC would also like to extend a special note of thanks to
photographer Greg Descantes for his outstanding work covering each of the
SISU BC Cup Series events. Greg's hard work and sharp eye added to make the
SISU BC Cup what it is today.