April 8/10 17:39 pm - Pros to Race Bronte, Registration Closes Tonight

Posted by Editoress on 04/8/10
 

It just got a little tougher to win a portion of the $5000 cash prize list at the inaugural Tour of Bronte, in Oakville Ontario this Sunday, April 11th.

2008 Olympian Leigh Hobson of the Nanoblur/Gears professional team, has confirmed her participation in the women's race, putting 5 time British National Champion Helen Wyman at risk of being considered the '2nd' favorite for the 80km race over paved and unpaved roads in Bronte Creek Provincial Park.

On the men’s side, things are getting even more competitive. Spidertech powered by Planet Energy, Canada’s top professional men's team, will be fielding a pair of potential winners in Andrew Randall and Mark Batty. Randall, (36) is one of Canada's most experienced pros and is coming off a strong spring campaign that includes a 7th place in the international  Tour of Cuba. His younger teammate, Mark Batt y(24) has a strong road and off-road resume including 3 wins in the cyclocross season and a 3rd place finish in the 2009 Paris to Ancaster (Canada’s biggest bike race).  His skills on the unpaved portion of the race circuit at the Tour of Bronte could prove decisive.

3Rox racing is also fielding a strong challenge to the established favorites. Kyle Douglas, the 2006 National cyclocross champion and 2009 Crank the Shield winner is leading a 3 man team that  just might upset the predictions. Backed by Tyson Wagler, 2008 Canadian National team member and Haydn Boucher (2009 Crank the shield champion)  the trio is expected to be a force in the Elite men's race on Sunday.

Online registration closes at midnight Thursday. Race day registration is available for all categories from beginner to pro.  More information is available at www.tourofbronte.com