February 28/04 8:56 am - Cycling B.C. Women's Project, 2007 BMX Worlds Applications

Posted by Editor on 02/28/04
 

Women's High Performance Project - Columbia Plateau Stage Race
Courtesy Cycling B.C.

For the third year in succession, Cycling BC will send a select team of four women to north eastern Oregon's Columbia Plateau Stage Races. Marking it's 10 year anniversary, the three-day event, held May 7th to 9th, is one of the few point-to-point stage races in North America, boasting a combination of four very challenging and hilly stages (3 RR, 1 TT).

The BC Team brings a short but successful history to the event, with an outright GC victory in 2002, courtesy of Kappa rider Suzanne Macht, with mountain biker-come-roadie Sara Noble (BikeBarn) capturing 2nd overall in 2003. Riding on its past success, the BC Team hopes to be a dominant factor in 2004.

Riders of the stage race are treated to courses which offer demanding climbs, beautiful scenery and quiet roads with little-to-no traffic. At the end of each stage, racers can look forward to accommodations and hearty food prepared by the race organizers and volunteers from the host communities. Neutral support is provided for each category, which includes feeding in designated zones along the course!

With roads that appear to climb in all directions, and weather that can change by the minute; from dry and hot, to rain and even snow at the top of some of the passes, the epic reputation the Columbia Plateau Stage Race has earned in its 10 years is well deserved! For details on the event check out: www.obra.org/columbiaplateau/race.htm

The BC Team, lead by veteran Columbia Plateau coach, and newly appointed Canada Summer Games coach Judy Latoski, will consist of four CCA-licenced females. New for '04, the age restrictions have been dropped, allowing for any women to compete for a position on the Provincial Team!

BC Team Selection Criteria - Qualifying Events:

1.) Mandatory participation in the SISU BC Cup #1, Harris-Roubaix Road Race, April 11th. For event details, please see www.trekvwracing.com

2.) Mandatory participation in the March 7th Spring Series Road Race (B Group). For event details, please see www.escapevelocity.bc.ca

3.) Participation in one of the four following Spring Series (B Group) events (for event details, please see www.escapevelocity.bc.ca):

* Saturday, March 20 (Atomic Road Course)
* Sunday, March 21 (Aldergrove)
* Saturday, March 27 (Zero Ave.)
* Sunday, March 28 (Mini Gloucester and TT)

Results must be compiled and submitted to either Judy Latoski or Allan Prazsky no later than Thursday, April 15th.

Team Selection
3 riders to be selected based on points from posted criteria (above).
1 rider to be selected based on High Performance Race Committee Selection

All riders must hold a valid CCA/UCI Cycling license.

Points distribution
Points from selection events will be distributed on the following scale. The placings pertain to the overall finishing order of all female entrants.

1st - 10 points
2nd - 9 points
3rd - 8 points
4th - 7 points
5th - 6 points
6th - 5 points
7th - 4 points
8th - 3 points
9th ˆ 2 points
10th ˆ 1point

Cycling BC will provide partial funding for this Project. The exact amount is yet to be determined. All selected athletes will be informed as budgeting is finalized.

For complete details, including course profiles, please visit www.cycling.bc.ca or contact Allan Prazsky at road@cycling.bc.ca


2007 BMX Championship Applications

February 26, 2004 - The Canadian Cycling Association is accepting applications to host the 2007 BMX World Championships. The Bid information is available at the CCA, please contact the CCA Director General. Bids will be reviewed by the Board of Directors before forwarding to the UCI. Deadline for application is March 15, 2004!!


Sugoi Dirt Series Gets Dirtier in 2004

The Sugoi Dirt Series is back and better than ever in 2004. With Sugoi as title sponsor, North America's premiere women's mountain bike technical skill camps will be gorwing to host a total of twelve camps this year, including two in Northwestern United States.

"We have had so many requests from riders in the US, that doing camps there seemed like the natural next step," said Dirt Series Director Candace Shadley. "The Series is growing in other cool ways this year--we're also offering several feature camps this year including co-ed camps and a special adventure racing themed camp in Sun Valley."

The Sugoi Dirt Series offers expert instruction in a supportive environment for riders of all abilities. Riders who are just starting out in the world of Mountain Biking get to lay a groundwork of sound technical fundamentals while experienced bikers can add new skills and polish to their off-road arsenal.

The Dirt Series' elite coaching staff includes multiple National and Provincial champions including National Downhill Champion Sylvie Allen, Japanese Downhill Champ Sadao Watanabe, Pro XC Racer and multi-time X-Games Gold Medallist Aleisha Cline. Guest Instructors will include former World Downhill Champion Cindy Devine and Adventure Racing superstar Rebecca Rusch.

"There's a world of difference between being told and being taught", said Paul Done, the Voice of Sugoi. "One of the unique things about the Dirt Series is that the instructor group really knows how to teach--they offer a uniquely personal, flexible and responsive approach to learning. That's why, of all the Instructional Camps out there, this is the one that we choose to sponsor."

Throughout the camps, emphasis is placed on building confidence and community, so that the riders leave the camps energized, ready to test their own skills and to preach the gospel of mountain biking fun. According to Series Organiser Candace Shadley "there is nothing more amazing than seeing people getting so excited about your favorite sport. Time and time again, the campers tell me that they leave with new self-confidence, energy and inspiration."

Sugoi Dirt Series 2004 Schedule

May 1-2 Victoria, BC

May 15-16 North Vancouver, BC

May 29-30 Sun Valley, Idaho (Adventure Racing Special)

June 12-13 Whistler, BC (Lift access/DH available)

June 26-27 Canmore, AB

July 2-3 Panorama, BC (Lift access/DH available)

July 17-18 Hood River, OR

July 24-25 Whistler, BC (Co-ed)

August 7-8 North Vancouver, BC

August 28-29 Calgary, AB

September 4-5 Blue River, BC (Option Heli-Drops!)

September 18-19 Whistler, BC (Co-ed Reunion/Season Finale)

For Dirt Series information and registration, visit www.dirtseries.com.