March 14/05 9:54 am - Blizzard Bike Club News

Posted by Editoress on 03/14/05
 

Blizzard Bike ClubFort St. John, BC

March 13th

Pat Ferris was the surprise repeat winner of the Baldonnel Roubaix, Sunday, with a record time, over a record turnout and under record dry conditions. Pat's time was 1:29:03 hours for the 44 km rough surface course. Stephen Ferris was closing fast at 1:30:09 for second and Dave Damery third at 1:30:42.

What a difference a year makes. This year's edition was warm and dry as compared to last year's 4 inches of snow and winter. The weather was so nice that a record eighteen riders came out to race the gravel road, broken pavement circuit.

The speed of the pack accelerated as soon as they reached the gravel turnoff. Pat Ferris pulled way early with the pack of Stephen Ferris, Dave Damery, Erik Snucins, Mike Heintzman and Roger St. Jean chasing.

Stephen Ferris, with Dave Damery in tow, caught Pat Ferris on the pavement section after having split the pack on the hill. The trio rode together for a few kilometers when Pat Ferris made another attack to pull away for good.

Pat pulled in to the finish with a time of 1:29:03 hours, nine minutes faster than the previous record time set in 1996 by Jason Pearson. Stephen Ferris dropped Dave Damery to come in at 1:30:09. Dave Damery came in at 1:30:42 for third, defending Champion Mike Hientzman was 4th at 1:31:30 and Roger St. Jean 5th at 1:34:46.

Erik Snucins was 6th at 1:38:11. Rod Lewis caught Richard Wood at the finish for 7th at 1:39:53. Eric Lowry was a few feet back for 9th and Dean Lowry 10th.

Barb Polehoykie was 11th at 1:42:53, Gary Hilderman 1:45:53, Ken Nix 1:52:58 and Matt Jarnagin 1:59:13. One rider could not finish due to mechanical troubles.

Gord Harris won the 1 lap 22 km event with 50:37. Lisa Verbisky second at 1:04:25 and Adam Currie 1:21:49 after a roadside repair.

Pat Ferris is currently leading the Roubaix Cup points with 5 and Stephen Ferris second with 4 points for the three race series. Dave Damery is third at 3 and Mike Hientzman 4th with 2 points and Roger St. Jean 5th at 1 point.

Coming up:

-Next Sunday: Frozen John Roubaix, 2 pm at Frozen John Hill.