July 4/09 23:14 pm - BC Bike Race: Day 6

Posted by Editoress on 07/4/09
 

Day 6: Garibaldi Highlands (Squamish) to Squamish Civic Centre, 60km

Squamish is known as the recreation capital of Canada and yesterday more than 400 riders in BC Bike Race understood why mountain biking falls under that umbrella.

The usual daily rider contingent was enhanced by a solid 15% today, as roughly 50 people got into their riding gear and followed the pack as they ripped out onto the highly anticipated Day 6 singletrack. Just before the start gun went off, the group of guest riders gathered together beneath the large, arching bob logo for a VIP photo.

Shimano is the title sponsor for Stage 6, which had several activities in store for its visiting dignitaries. Sponsors, supporters, community members, and friends were all invited to sample a day in the life of “The Ultimate Singletrack Experience.” Beyond the heaping serving of fantastic singletrack, Squamish style, the BCBR Base Camp opened its doors to the visiting VIPs and encouraged them to mix and mingle with the riders.

Back out on course, it didn't take long for the first Men's Open category team to cross the finish line.

It wasn't a huge surprise when the current and long-time yellow-jersey wearing Jamis / Santa Cruz powerhouse team flew around the corner and into sight. They finished the day in 2:44:03, with an overall time gap of cose to 8 minutes over the second place team, Kona. Barry Wicks and Kris Sneddon finished the stage in 2:50:50 to secure second spot in the overall GC. South Africans DCM Chrome 1, who finished in 2:52:15 are keeping third place in hand.

With only the short and snappy Whistler stage remaining, the podium spot could still shift hands.

In the women's category team Luna Chix's Catharine Pendrel and Katerina Nash continued to dominate with their aggressive riding style. To take the top podium spot they posted a 3:13:39 for the day's ride, which is a terrific time for the two world-class athletes. Rocky Mountain's Alison Sydor and Lea Davison maintanted their tight grip on second place by posting a 3:21:28 finish for the day. Third place went to Oak Bay Bikes Lisa Ludewig and Dawn Anderson who posted 3:51:37.

The GC standings haven't shifted since Day 1: Luna Chix hold onto their jerseys for the duration, with the two-three punch not shifting either. These girls knew where they were meant to be.

Once again, in the Womens Solo Category, North Vancouver's Megan Rose retained the yellow jersey for the sixth time this week after posting a stage winning 3:50:44.

Team of 2 Mixed category riders Georgia Gould & Ryan Trebone maintained their significant lead in the category with a quick time for the day, 3:10:08.

One last stage for the racers to tackle in Whistler!

BC Bike Race Press release