June 19/11 10:37 am - Banff National Park Bike Fest: Men's Stage 2 and 3 UPDATED

Posted by Editoress on 06/19/11
 

Results from the 2 stages held on Saturday (June 18th) of the Banff National Park Bike Fest

Stage 2, Day 3 First order of double-stage day: Individual Time Trial around Lake Minnewanka Loop 

The riders were greeted with partially sunny skies as they prepared for the start of the Stage 2 Individual Time Trial on this double-stage Saturday at the Banff National Park Bike Fest. It was a welcome change from Friday's rain but with a stiff breeze coming from the west, all racers would have another obstacle to contend with as they tackled the tough 21km Lake Minnewanka Loop, just outside of Banff.

The men started shortly after the women and with no changes in the weather conditions, they were up against the same challenges. The opportunity for a change in the overall standings was on tap for the men and it was all business for the time trial specialists as they warmed-up awaiting their start.

Third place rider on GC, Justin Kerr (H&R Block), who placed fifth last year at this same TT, was optimistic about his chances. "It's one of those courses where the more you do it, the better you get. The loop has two hard climbs near the beginning and then the downhill where you always have to keep pedaling."

Once the commissaries calculated all of the times, it was Will Routley (SpiderTech p/b C10) who destroyed the course with a time of 26:30.7, capturing the leader's jersey along the way. Cam MacKinnon (H&R Block) was a surprising second place, finishing with a time of 26:59.3, and rounding out the podium was Kerr, who was true to his word moving up two spots over last year with a time of 27:19.2 to claim the final spot on the podium. He now sits third overall behind MacKinnon.

Earlier in the morning, the Category 3/4/5 men took to the course with Joshua Krabbe (ERTC/Revolution) taking the Cat 3 win in a time of 29:25.6; Cat 4 winner was Robin Clegg (Rundle Mountain CC) in 30:09.9; and the fastest rider in Cat 5 was David Donovan (TCR Sport Lab) with a time of 31:29.3.

Most of the riders welcomed a short break in town before competing in the evening's 50-lap men's Criterium on a 1km loop in downtown Banff.

Downtown Banff Criterium

On the heels of the morning’s Individual Time Trial, the second stage of the day at the Banff National Park Bike Fest, the Banff Criterium, once again provided loads of fun and exceptional racing in the streets of downtown Banff.


First up were two popular community events which again were heavily supported by locals and visitors alike. The Kids Crit presented a fun romp down Banff Avenue by riders of the future, followed by a raucous Cruiser Crit, featuring costumed riders with the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Yeti and a Rhino hunter, plus the Banff versus Canmore Mayor's race.


The evening’s signature Criterium course raced through the heart of town featuring a hairpin corner soon after the start followed by four more corners and a final long straightaway down Banff Avenue back to the start/finish, comprising a fast and technical 1km loop. A light rain moistened the track at the beginning, but not enough to slow the course and make corners too dangerous. The majesty of Banff’s two iconic peaks, Cascade Mountain and Rundle Mountain, provided views as exhilarating as the race itself.


The Cat 5 men were off first with a 22-lap race, which after an early crash, witnessed Tyson Smith cross the line with great support from his Rundle Mountain CC teammates. The Cat 4 24-lap race was tight until the remaining three laps finally sprung Jason Myslicki (Bicisport) free for victory. The fast and skillful Cat 3 field entertained everyone and with four laps to go, Ty Andrews (Cyclmeisters/Bow Cycles) held on to his 13-second gap for the win.

As the Cat 1/2 men came to the start line, there was plenty at stake. After the morning Individual Time Trial, Will Routley (SpiderTech p/b C10) was the overall leader with Team H&R Block teammates Cam McKinnon and Justin Kerr in second and third respectively. Bailey McKnight and Dave Vukets of Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes were just behind in fourth and fifth. With Sunday's Tunnel Mountain Road Race being the final opportunity for riders to move up in the overall GC, none of the contenders wanted to let Saturday's Criterium get away from them.


Routley, racing in this event for the first and without his team, was a marked man throughout the weekend. "The guys want to beat up on me," commented the reigning National road champ. "They've done a good job so far. I will need to play a classic defensive style to hang on to my overall lead."

The race started off at a blazing pace, the peloton finally giving up a breakaway of four. Four became three, but all were together again by the midway point. Then came the move of the night. Paul Tichelaar (ERTC/Revolution) attacked while Aaron Schooler (H&R Block) jumped on his wheel. A repeat of the 2010 Crit, the two riders were able to build a 20-second lead over the peloton that could not be overcome.

With one lap to go, Schooler broke free and finished solo down the final stretch to victory with a time of 58:27. "It’s very special taking this victory in Banff," said a very stoked Schooler. "My dad was born here, my grandpa use to have a restaurant here and my family is here to watch. Monday is also my birthday." Tichelaar finished second while Dave Stephens (Garneau Evolution) emerged from the pack to take third.

Routley finished 6th and held on to his GC lead heading into the last stage on Sunday. The 78km Tunnel Mountain Road race will offer the final chance for chasing teams to catch Routley. With good hills for riders to attack, this race promises to be something special.

Report courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism