It was a special day for 12-year-old Sidney Swierenga who took home first place in her age group at the Piccolofondo on Saturday.
“It feels good because all the other years that I’ve done it, this is my fourth year, I’ve been the first girl but I have never been the first over all,” she said. “And this year I am first over all.”
Swierenga, who has been competing in cycle races for four years, said she likes the sport because the other competitors make her push herself.
“You go harder when you are with other people than when you are by yourself,” she said. “And you can push yourself more.”
READ MORE: 2,500 cyclists ready to take the South Okanagan roads for Granfondo
Finn Kirk, who placed first in the eight-year-old age group, said the cheering crowd help him push himself to win.
“I just like the enjoyment of participating in competitive cycling,” he said.
The Piccolofondo featured 300 entrants. It took place on Saturday before the Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan on Sunday, featured 300 entrants. During the race, youth ages one through 12 race the streets next to Gyro Park.
The Granfondo kicked off Sunday
