Local riders were in sunny Summerland during the Victoria Day long weekend attending the first of six B.C. Cup mountain bike events.
Fortunately, after heavy rains Saturday night, the skies cleared for Sunday and the main event.
In the cross-country event, Sean Stanhope won the U15 men's title while Katherine Short won the women's title. Matt Brown placed fifth. In the U17 sport men Jesse Horn placed seventh and James Law 10th. In the junior men sport category, Chris Bates was first, followed by Brett Wildeman in second. In the junior expert category, Matt Cottrell was third. Micayla Gatto was fourth in the junior expert women category. Several other riders challenged the 50 km marathon race. In the pro-elite category veteran rider Ruedi Schnyder was back racing after a two-year absence and placed fourth overall.
Also in the pro-elite category, Matt Green, who used to reside in Gibsons, placed fifth overall.
In the marathon series category, Dusty Sept placed fifth overall. Mature riders Rod Campasano, Jim Brown, Glen Illingworth, Darren Quist and Bob Stanhope were happy to survive the grueling marathon course with over 3,500 feet of climbing. On Monday the downhill event took place.
Ryan Marsh of Halfmoon Bay was first overall in the hardtail men category. Gatto was first in the junior expert category and Short was first in the U15 category.
Riley Percheson placed sixth in the U17 sport category, while Jarred DeVries, taking part in his first competitive downhill cycling event, placed a respectable 24th. Terry Williams and his family, who until recently resided in Halfmoon Bay, opened their home in Summerland to the team. Unfortunately for Terry, even with all his training and preparation, he double flatted and was unable to finish the course. Between racers, family, friends and supporters, the Sunshine Coast was well represented in Summerland. Our local riders are gaining a reputation. Their presence is felt at any event they attend. They are great ambassadors for the Coast and the sport in general. All enjoyed a great weekend. The racers are looking forward to the next B.C. Cup race, Bear Mountain in Mission next weekend.
