September 11, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – The finale of the “nine2fivepro West Carleton Gravel Series p/b The Gravel Guys” took place this past weekend in the form of a “Double Header Points Stage Race”. Participants were challenged with two back to-back 85km gravel cyclosportifs over the quiet scenic roads of West Carleton.
Despite the event having to compete with those watching the GP Cycliste de Montreal and competing in the Rochester Cyclocross the event garnered an extremely enthusiastic crowd of 28 and 25 participants respectively both days.
On the first day the men’s event started quickly. Justin Purificati (Ride with Rendall) attacked and was alone for a long solo effort. He was finally caught by Doug Van de Ham (nine2fivepro) and Jim McGuire (Tekne) on the “Needhams Side Road unmaintained climb,” and remarked at the top that he was going to bring his cyclocross bike for Day 2.
The three leaders worked well together until the end when Van de Ham outsprinted McGuire. Purificati tired from his solo effort cruised in alone for 3rd. Having not chased his teammate but still wanting to keep in contention for the overall Charlie Gorman (nine2fivepro) won the bunch sprint ahead of Craig Hawkes (Tekne) and Olivier Mouyau (Euro-Sports).
In the women’s event Jennifer Stephenson finished ahead of Christine Ficker (Gearheads) with Heather Tkalec (Euro-Sports) rounding out the podium.
On Day 2 the field was surprised when former National Road Champion and current pro Matteo Dal-Cin (Rally Cycling) showed up. After hitting the gas pedal a few times he finally escaped alone with 20km to go. With the overall points win on his mind Charlie Gorman (nine2fivepro) bridged up and the two worked well together building a solid lead.
However the chasers were very determined and started reeling them in with 5km to go. When the finish line came a very classy Dal-Cin allowed Gorman to go ahead for the win. The chasers had remarkably closed the gap down to only 10 seconds with Dave Tomsic (Cyclery) taking the bunch sprint ahead of Nic Bundza (Tekne).
In the women’s event Jennifer Stephenson took the win again with Emily Lafleche coming in 2nd.
With the overall being decided by points scored over both days it was important to show up and compete both days and that’s exactly what the top 3 men did. Charlie Gorman, Jim McGuire and Justin Purificati put in solid performances both days and comprised the men’s podium respectively.
For the women Jennifer Stephenson showed up both days and won both days while Christine Ficker (Gearheads) and Emily Lafleche finished 2nd and 3rd. With Christine and Emily technically tied Emily graciously volunteered to be 3rd since Christine couldn’t be there because her husband was competing on Day 2 and somebody had to look after the kids.
The overall winners will have their names engraved on “The Gravel Cup” which will awarded every year based on points accumulated throughout “The Eastern Ontario Gravel Series.” Next year in addition to West Carleton the Gravel Guys will be expanding to the Lanark, Renfrew and Pakenham areas using even more scenic and quieter roads.
It’s quite unbelievable what exists just a short drive out of Ottawa in the Canadian Shield and The Gravel Guys have been riding those roads all year long for pleasure and recon. We appreciate the tremendously positive feedback which makes all the hard work worthwhile. We do this because we truly believe in our events and most importantly in the joys of riding gravel. Hope to see you all next year!
Results
Women
Men
For more Robert Roaldi photos, visit here.
