Stuart Smith edged out Don Robertson and Rich Hamilton at the finish line of the first 2013 Revelstoke Cycling Association road race on June 11. The race is the first of a three-part road series hosted by the RCA this season.
The approximately 40-kilometre, two-lap course from the Revelstoke Airport to the end of Airport Way started out under a warm, overcast sky. A strong, gusty, southbound wind soon picked up, slowing the northward sections and discouraging successful breakouts from the pack even though there were several attacks.
Despite the close sprint finish at the line, Smith was comfortably ahead on the clock after gaining a 15-second advantage by winning a mid-race sprint stage. Smith’s winning time was 1:04.05.
Teenage rider Kellen Viznaugh crossed the finish line fourth, close behind the lead pack. He finished second overall in the race after winning the other sprint stage. He finished five seconds back at 1:04.10.
Rounding out the top 10 of 19 participants are Don Robertson (3rd, 1:04.20), Rich Hamilton (4th, 1:04.20), Thom Madlung (5th, 1:04.25), Bart Jarmula (6th, 1:04.25), Brook Glanville (7th, 1:04.25), Steve Doucet (8th, 1:04.25), Dominic Unterberger (9th, 1:05.32), Mark Belsham (10th, 1:05.32).
“I just got lucky,” Smith said after the race. “These things aren’t a science.”
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Smith is the Revelstoke Cycling Association director of road cycling. He praised the efforts of 16-year-old rider Kellen Viznaugh, who continues to build an impressive resume of wins and top finishes in mountain bike, road and cyclo-cross races.
“He’s really impressive [with] lots of strength,” Smith said. “Big efforts all the time.”
The next road race is on June 25. The crit format race will consist of laps over a short course in Arrow Heights. There will be a start for recreational riders then a competitive group.
The final race of the series is June 9. The team time-trial race will follow the Airport Way course.
The RCA also hosts weekly group road rides and women’s group rides. See their website at bikerevelstoke.org for dates and times.
