February 27, 2004 – For the third consecutive year, Cycling BC will send a select team of four women to north eastern Oregon's Columbia Plateau Stage Races.  In its 10 Anniversary year, the three-day event, held May 7-9, is one of the few point-to-point stage races in North America, boasting a combination of four very challenging and hilly stages (3 RR, 1 TT).

The BC Team brings a short but successful history to the event, with an outright GC victory in 2002, courtesy of Kappa rider Suzanne Macht, with mountain-biker-come-roadie Sara Noble (BikeBarn) capturing 2nd overall in 2003.  Riding on its past success, the BC Team hopes to be a dominant factor in 2004.

Riders of the stage race are treated to courses which offer demanding climbs, beautiful scenery and quiet roads with little-to-no traffic.  At the end of each stage, racers can look forward to accommodations and hearty food prepared by the race organizers and volunteers from the host communities. Neutral support is provided for each category, which includes feeding in designated zones along the course.

With roads that appear to climb in all directions, and weather that can change by the minute; from dry and hot, to rain and even snow at the top of some of the passes, the epic reputation the Columbia Plateau Stage Race has earned is well deserved!  For details on the event check out: http://www.obra.org/columbiaplateau/race.htm

The BC Team, lead by veteran Columbia Plateau coach, and newly appointed Canada Summer Games coach Judy Latoski, will consist of four CCA-licenced females.  New for '04, the age restrictions have been dropped, allowing for any women to compete for a position on the Provincial Team.

BC Team Selection Criteria – Qualifying Events:

1.  Mandatory participation in the SISU BC Cup #1, Harris-Roubaix Road Race, April 11.  For event details, please see www.trekvwracing.com

2.  Mandatory participation in the March 7th Spring Series Road Race (B Group).  For event details, please see www.escapevelocity.bc.ca

3.  Participation in one of the four following Spring Series (B Group) events (for event details, please see www.escapevelocity.bc.ca):

·  Saturday, March 20 (Atomic Road Course) ·  Sunday, March 21 (Aldergrove)

·  Saturday, March 27 (Zero Ave.) ·  Sunday, March 28 (Mini Gloucester and TT)

Results must be compiled and submitted to either Judy Latoski or Allan Prazsky no later than Thursday, April 15.

Team selection: 3 riders to be selected based on points from posted criteria (above). 1 rider to be selected based on High Performance Race Committee Selection.

All riders must hold a valid CCA/UCI Cycling license.

Points distribution: Points from selection events will be distributed on the following scale. The placings pertain to the overall finishing order of all female entrants.

1st – 10 points 2nd – 9 points 3rd – 8 points 4th – 7 points 5th – 6 points 6th – 5 points 7th – 4 points 8th – 3 points 9th – 2 points 10th – 1point

Cycling BC will provide partial funding for this Project. The exact amount is yet to be determined.  All selected athletes will be informed as budgeting is finalized.

For complete details, including course profiles, please visit www.cycling.bc.ca or contact Allan Prazsky at road@cycling.bc.ca