March 17/05 12:02 pm - Nokere-Koerse: Team Navigators Report, Comox Road Race, Birthdays

Posted by Editoress on 03/17/05
 

Walters gets a taste of Belgium
Courtesy Navigators Insurance

Nokere-Koerse (1.1)

The 60th edition of the Belgian semi-classic Nokere-Koerse was held yesterday on 193Km of Belgian roads that included 11 ascents of the famed Nokereberg. Navigators' Kirk O'Bee escaped in an early breakaway with 17 others on the initial large opening lap. The gap never climbed above 45-seconds, and the group was reeled back in on the 3rd of 10 finishing circuits. A 5-man group was able to escape and gained an advantage of over 4:00 during the 4-6th laps, but their advantage wasn't enough to keep the main peloton at bay. With a strong chase by Chocolate-Jacques, the leaders were brought back at the start of the penultimate lap. The decisive final lap saw a group of 20 in the hunt for victory, with all of the teams represented. In the final, uphill sprint on the cobbles, Navigators' Mark Walters powered to a 5th place finish. The winner, Steven De Jongh (Rabobank) was clearly the strongest on the day, as he finished 20-meters clear of the next rider.

1. Steven De Jongh (Rabobank)
2. Igor Abakoumov (Jartaiz)
3. Geert Omloop (Mr. Bookmaker)
4. Eric Baumann (T-Mobile)
5. Mark Walters (Navigators Insurance)


Comox Valley Cycle Club - Comox Cup Road race March 20th
Courtesy Ed Schum

Hello B.C. road racers:

The Comox Valley Cycle Club with hold its first Comox Cup Road race this Sunday.

It will take place on the relatively flat Tsolum Circuit (~10.5km lap) and distances will be as follows:

Open A - 8 laps for 84km

Open B - 6 laps for 63km

Men's C - 4 laps for 42km

Women - 4 laps for 42 km (Women may also choose to enter in A or B)

16 and under - 1, 2 , or 3 laps, depending on age and fitness

The race starts at 11am, with registration starting at 10am. Remember that being the first race of season there will be many people filling out club memberships. Arrive early to complete all paper work and warm up well.

Directions to race course for out of towners:
Coming into Courtenay on the new Island Highway turn off on Piercy Road Exit (it only goes one way).

Follow Piercy Road for several kilometres until it comes to a T. Turn right there. The road will shortly after go over a one way bridge and then meet Headquarters Road. Turn left onto Headquarters and follow it for about 9k until it comes to a T. Turn left there, after about 500 metres you will get to Tyee Valley Road on your right. That's where sign on and start and finish is.

Race entry fee is $10.00 for anyone 18 and over. Under 18's pay $5.00.
Racing licence is not required, but you must be a member of a CBC affiliated Cycling Club.

Hope to see you at the race.


Happy Birthday to.... Chrissy deJonge (Redden) who celebrated a birthday yesterday and to Tera Meade and Mathieu Laurin both celebrating today.