February 27/16 10:25 am - Test of Metal to End This Year (B.C.)

Posted by Editor on 02/27/16
 

After 21 amazing years, the time has come for the final Test. The iconic Squamish Test of Metal mountain bike race (presented by Nesters Market Squamish) will take place for the last time on June 18th, after more than two decades as arguably one of the best events in Canadian mountain bike history.

"The Test of Metal has had an incredible run," said race director, Cliff Miller. "The more than 20,000 racers, thousands of volunteers and the overwhelming support of people of Squamish have helped weave this organization into the fabric of this town and the mountain bike community."

Registration for the final Test will remain open from February 26th onward for those who want one last opportunity to race the 67-kilometre course. Register Here.

It is no stretch whatsoever to call Squamish a world-renowned mountain bike mecca, and much of that reputation developed as a result of the Test of Metal.

"The trail development to establish the Test of Metal course, the further trail building in those areas that the race course opened up, and then the people moving to Squamish because of those trails, changed this place," said Miller, who founded the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) just a few years before he staged the first Test of Metal race.

"Squamish became the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada with cornerstones like the Test of Metal. Development happened and businesses opened or re-located here because this is a mountain bike town."

When the Test of Metal started, cross-country racing was the only form of mountain bike competition. The relatively young sport of mountain biking - its technology, trails and culture - has evolved profoundly since the inception of the Test of Metal.

"Mountain biking is not going anywhere - it's more popular than ever, in Squamish and around the world," Miller said. "But it's the end of an era for the Test of Metal. It's time to move on. I hope you will enjoy your last time to be Tested by the iconic Test of Metal."

It will also be the last race for the other three events in the Test of Metal group of races, as the organization will end all of its activities this year. The Orecrusher (presented by Coast Aggregates Ltd.) will take place three weeks earlier than usual, on April 16th. The series will continue on May 7th with the Gearjammer (presented by GSK Chartered Accountants LLP), which in the past has been held in mid-July. The Test of Metal (presented by Nesters Market Squamish) retains its usual position with a June 18th date. Just Another Bike Race (presented by Pearson Financial Services Ltd.) will close out the summer and usher in the fall with a new season-ending date of September 17th.

Register Here for all races.