April 16/03 9:33 am - Calgary Track League Novice Course, Blizard Bike Club Stage Race, Syncros Sold

Posted by Editoress on 04/16/03
 

Calgary Bicycle Track League Novice Course
Courtesy Kurt Innes

April 25 & 26
Friday evening 6-9 PM
Saturday afternoon 3 - 6 PM

Interested in trying out velodrome (track) cycling ?

If so, you are invited to the 1st Novice course of the 2003 track cycling season.

This course is tailored to road and mountain bike riders (or athletes from other sports) who have experience riding bikes, but who haven't yet experienced the thrill and excitement of velodrome cycling.

The two day course will teach you the basic skills, and introduce you to the many different races that are found at our local (and international ) track competitions.

The cost for the two day course is $10.00.

Interested parties are instructed to contact Kurt Innes (innes@ucalgary.ca ) to register for this upcoming opportunity.


Blizzard Bike Club Stage Race Fort St. John BC
Courtesy Pat Ferris

This Thursday (April 17th) is the start of the Blizzard Bike Club's 'Spring Stage Race' series. In this event, club riders will compete in six races over eight days to determine the winners of the respective classes.

The event started in 1986. It was originally a nine race series to get the Blizzard Team ready for the Ras Tailtean stage race in Ireland. Bill Scott was the first overall winner.

Robert Martens is the defending 2002 champion. He has also won it in 2000 and co-won it with Kris St. Jean in 1999.

There are other active previous winners also competing for the trophy. Dave Damery won it in 2001. Tim Ferris won it in 1997. Pat Ferris has won it four times, in 1987, 1989, 1992 and 1993.

Lisa Verbisky has been the dominant force for the Women's trophy. She was won it four times in a row, from 1999 to the present. Tammy Howes will be out for the win, as well.

Timothy Gladysz was last years Under 19 winner. He will be competing up one age class with Robert Martens and Dave Damery, this year.

• Stage #1 is this Thursday with a 16 km time trial at 6:30 pm.
• Stage #2 is a road race from the top of the south Montney hill and to the Montney store and back at 2 pm, Good Friday.
• Stage #3 is a 32 km road race at Baldonnel at 10:00 am.
• Stage #4 is a 60 km Cecil Lake road race at 10:00 am.
• Stage #5 is a 3 km Beatton Hill climb at 2 pm on Easter Monday.
• Stage #6 is another 16 km Baldonnel time trial at 6:30 pm.

The format is total points for each class. 5 points for 1st, down to 1 point for 5th. The winner has the most points.

This is always an interesting event. Rider consistency is the key to success. A bad stage or mechanical failure can become a big problem if you plan to win.


Synchros Sold, Again

Ritchey Design announced at Sea Otter that Syncros has been purchased from Pacific Cycle.

Pacific Cycle announced recently that they are getting back to basics ie: concentrating on their cycling line. This information peeked the interest of Tom Ritchey who approached PC regarding any interest in selling Syncros. A deal was "struck".

Word is Ritchey will open a division in BC, which is, of course, where Syncros was born.