June 17/07 9:53 am - Test of Metal

Posted by Editoress on 06/17/07
 

Test of MetalSquamish BC

Rain doesn't dampen the enthusiasm for the Test of Metal

Not even a West Coast downpour could prevent the more than 800 eager participants of the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal from starting Saturday's in the event.

“There was some pretty miserable weather and we still had almost 850 people line up at the start line,” said race director Cliff Miller. “Mountain bikers are special breed.”

The race was won for a second straigh year by Squamish local Neal Kindree who finished in a personal best time of 2:40:04 to take top spot in the men’s pro-elite category. In the women's pro-elite category, Catherine Pendrel eked out a victory over last year's champ, Squamish local Meghan Kindree, with a time of 3:19:08.

“Given the very very difficult conditions, the times were incredibly fast,” said Miller.

Kindree, who held the Canada Cup points lead at the start of the day, risked that overall lead to race in his hometown event.

Kindree battled through the 67 kilometer course against riding partner Ryan Edwards, who finished second, and ex-National Team member Andreas Hestler, who took in third place.

After heavy rains, conditions on the 67 kilometer course were very difficult and deteriorated as the race progressed.

“This is a real community bike race with more than 300 volunteers and countless spectators lining the course.” Miller said, “It’s nice for them to see the world class athletes performing, but on a day like this, the real heroes are often the folks finishing in five or six hours."

Miller added some drama to the finish line by proposing to his long time partner Darlene Allen who accepted

For results for all categories, go to www.testofmetal.com