THE FIRST road race of the year saw some of the event’s fastest and closest times for its 30 riders.
“Thirty competitors … is very good and evidence of growing enthusiasm for the sport of road cycling,” said Michael Bruce, one of the organizers of the Kitimat River Challenge, adding that included lots of new riders.
Although the weather started out with a north wind and rain, it cleared up with a light tailwind for overall faster race times than often seen in the past, added Bruce.
Top riders were Terrace’s Vince Druoin, who came first in the men’s elite category with a time of 1:31:06, which was good enough for second place overall behind overall winner and men’s masters first place rider Peter Krause of Smithers, who finished in 1:31:05.
Men’s elite second place was Travis Yagelniski of Terrace with a time of 1:40:49 and third was Colin Parry, also of Terrace, with 1:41:34.
Second in men’s masters was Terrace’s Travis Carter in 1:31:15.
Third was Terrace’s Willie Muller with 1:31:25.
The remaining top riders in their categories are all from Terrace.
Brodie Lamarche won the U23 category with 1:33:30.
Christine LeClerc finished at the top of women’s elite with 2:11:58.
Women’s masters winner Autumn Martindale finished in 1:56:31, which also made her the fastest woman over the finish line and a 22nd place overall.
Second in women’s masters was Maryka Rypma with 1:59:41 and third was Tobi Tabata in 2:04:54.
Lone youth rider Graeme Linton came in at 2:15:31.
Besides Terrace, riders came from Prince Rupert, New Hazelton, Telkwa, Smithers and Kitimat.
The Terrace Off Road Cycling Association hosted this race and hosts two more road races: the Tour de Jackpine June 10 and the Skeena River Challenge Aug. 12.
Bruce said there is always a recreational component to the races so he invites all road riders to come out and participate.
