September 17/10 20:09 pm - Crank the Shield Stage 1

Posted by Editoress on 09/17/10
 

Haliburton Forest to Camp Kandalore – 72km

The racers were welcomed with sunny skies for the start of Crank the Shield 2010. With biblical rain falling the night before, the riders were slightly concerned, but all were positive with the adventure they were going to take part in. Race Organizer Adam Ruppel says “It is the defiantly the coolest experience a mountain biker can have in eastern Canada, it is true wilderness riding. Although, 30mm of rain fell the night before, the course held up and all the riders were excited.”

The start line was filled with familiar faces and names from Seamus McGrath, a two time Olympian, to Derek Zandstra, Tyson Wagler, Andrew Watson and Amanda Sin all 2010 Worlds team members. Also completing the deep and talented pool of riders was the duo of Eric Batty and Peter Glassford from Trek Canada. With the riders tackling 72kilomteters from Haliburton Forest to Camp Kandlalore, they were faced with epic single track, fire roads and outstanding views.

Peter Glassford, Eric Batty (Trek Canada) and Andrew Watson (Norco Factory Racing) set the pace early and never looked back. Their speed and abilities guided them through the course in a blistering fashion. Derek Zandstra and Tyson Wagler (3 Rox Racing) had an early set back, suffering a small mechanical but were able to battle back to within two minutes of the race leaders. They were unable to keep the high pace of the three race leaders. Peter and Eric were able to capture the fastest time of the day with Andrew nipping at the heels of the duo. Eric Batty and Peter Glassford racer winners,

“This race has a bit of everything, fast sections, technical single track and a cool atmosphere, defiantly one of the funniest days of mountain biking I have had,” says Eric. “Stage 1 was very challenging, it had a single track section right off the start, it made selections in the race and set the tone for the rest of the weekend,” comments Peter.  “It was awesome, all year I have been trying to see a bear and today my wish came true,” says Watson.

In the Solo Women’s category Kate Aardal was able to capture the fastest solo female time at 4:30:29. Kate was pushing hard through the technical sections and kept her speed consistent to cross the line in first.

In the combined category Amanda Sin and Kyle Douglas of 3 Rox Racing crossed the line in a time of 4:17:06. “Epic, extreme and most do race, you haven’t experienced racing until you do Crank,” says Douglas.

Check out www.cranktheshield.com for full results.

Press release