Perfect weather and great course conditions paved the way for a record-breaking On The Edge Rat Race last weekend.The fourth annual event brought out a strong local contingent and lots of pro riders in what organizers called the "most successful event to date."
"Everyone was smiling from ear to ear and having a great time," said organizer Rod Camposano, who shares race duties with wife Tanya. "The feedback and emails we've been receiving are we have a great course that is world-class. The word is getting out and people want to take part."
The weekend started on Saturday with the downhill race as competitors raced the clock down a one km trail.
A total of 96 competitors, including five pro riders took part. Adriano Digiacinto won the event with a time of three minutes, five seconds. He was followed closely by local Curtis Robinson who finished three seconds behind with a time of three minutes and eight seconds.
"To be that close behind a lead pro rider is pretty incredible for Curtis," Camposano said.
On Sunday, a strong field of 296 competitors, up by more than 100 from last year, took part in the cross-country event.The race was the first in the B.C. Cup Cross Country Marathon Series. The series consists of five races, all of which are a single loop over 40 km in length.
On Sunday, racers followed a challenging 48 km loop in and around the mountains in Roberts Creek.
This year's winner was pro rider Roland Green, who clocked in at two hours and 13 minutes. Local pro Kris Sneddon finished second in two hours, 16 minutes, followed by pro Andreas Hestler who crossed the line just a few strides behind Sneddon.
"It's great to see Kris do so well on his home turf," Camposano said. "Kris does so much for the racing community and helps promote this area and our trails. All the local riders did well. In fact, we had so many local participants take part this year, we lost some of our volunteer base. It's all about having fun, and everyone certainly did this year."
Young riders also had a chance to strut their stuff in a new kids' cross-country course, designed for those riders ages seven to 16.
"The whole community, riders, sponsors and volunteers, have really embraced this event," he said. "This race is steadily growing in popularity, and people are realizing we have the best trails in the world and the most single track in the province."
For top five results in all categories, see the Sports Ticker on page C4. For compete results, check out www.ontheedgebiking.com.
