October 4, 2009

Trace Sweeps Vanier Park Cyclocross Classic

Fantastic weather and a brand new course greeted racers and spectators on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 as West Coast Racing and Trek Red Truck Racing presented by Mosaic Homes combined once again to host the Vanier Park Cyclocross Classic, B.C.'s longest-running BC Cup ‘cross event.

156 senior racers, plus a gaggle of future ‘crossers on the kids' mini-courses took delight in ideal conditions, a new layout directly alongside one of Vancouver's most popular and scenic beaches, and free BBQ during post-race festivities provided by M&M Meat Shop. The Vanier event capped off a remarkable weekend for ‘cross in B.C., with the BC Cup double header kicked off the previous day at Team Wedgewood's New Brighton race featuring a similar turnout, plus the popular Cross on the Rock series running like clockwork as always on Vancouver Island.

In the Men's A race, Tyler Trace riding for co-organizer TREK RedTruck p/b also had a remarkable weekend individually, sweeping both BC events over the weekend. While Trace required a sprint finish to take the win the previous day, no such challenge was in the works on this occasion. An early attempt by Rocky Mountain Bicycles' Even Guthrie, recently returned from representing Canada at the world junior mountain biking championships, was repelled by the Trek rider who coasted in with a clear 25 second margin. Craig Richey of Blue Competition Cycles p/b Neverblue, who was on the losing end of the sprint finale at New Brighton, brought home 3rd place honours, with Trace's team mates Kevin Noiles and Rob Britton rounding out the podium.

For the Women A & B a smaller, very high quality field took the line, but on this day there was no doubt about the victor, as the legendary Alison Sydor of Rocky Mountain-Maxxis navigated swiftly and silently, ever upwards through the B men sharing the course to take a commanding win over Local Ride Racing's Jean Ann McKirdy. Sarah Stewart of Total Restoration, Island Racing Club's Joele Guynup, and Kelly Jones riding for Sugoi filled the 3-5 spots on the podium. Organizers decided to expand the cash prizing beyond the required top 3, and instead went to 5 deep prizing for the women also, in recognition of the high calibre of riders in attendance and also hoping to provide incentive to further boost women's participation in the sport.


Release by West Coast Racing
Photos courtesy of Ryan Cousineau and Dave Watt