It was an incredibly successful weekend of mountain biking on the Coast. On Saturday, May 4, more than 220 racers took part in the cross-country marathon, the 25 km cross-country, and the kids’ race.
In the men’s pro/elite category, Sechelt’s Kris Sneddon came in a close second behind Neal Kindree of Squamish, by only 30 seconds. The women’s pro/elite category winner was Sandra Walter of Coquitlam.
Special cash prizes for top non-pro locals provided by Sechelt Creek Contracting went to Meghan Molnar and Mason Gregory for the marathon course, and Louis Dillon and Maude Leduc for the 25 km course. See all the local results in the sports ticker on page 54.
A scavenger hunt aspect to the race in the form of Sa Boothroyd’s coasters planted throughout the course, gave the riders an opportunity to redeem them at the finish for a variety of dollar values. It proved very popular with the non-pro racers who took the extra time to wade creeks and climb trees to retrieve them.
On Sunday, May 6, the Mach Chicken downhill race hosted 200-plus racers from all over B.C. and Alberta and even New Zealand. It seems our reputation is worldwide now.
Sechelt’s Holly Feniak took the pro women’s top prize, with Jamie Biluk of North Vancouver finishing as the top pro male.
The 17 to 18 expert males category saw locals Forrest Riesco, Harrison Duxbury-Sleep and Matthew Clough finishing second, third and fourth respectively. See all the local downhill results in the sports ticker on page 54.
The same-bike category told the real story. Racers who could do the Saturday cross country marathon and the Sunday downhill on the same bike with no modifications were vying for Harbour Air return flights to Vancouver. Only 21 hardy souls attempted this. Kudos goes to Emily Slaco of Pemberton and Chris Johnston of Vancouver for top spots.
Special thanks must go to BC Timber Sales for bending their work schedule to allow the cross-country race to take place on our chosen date and to all the local sponsors.
— Submitted
