On The Edge (OTE) Race Club was tearing it up at the B.C. Cup Finals last weekend Aug. 28 and 29 at Mt. Washington. The Coast was well represented with over 40 people including 19 racers at the event.
The pilgrimage started Friday morning as racers and crew were on the first boat to Powell River. A short trip across the creek and we were on the mountain with lots of time to pre-ride the technical, steep course. Early to bed and early to rise, and the U15 and sport riders were on the course at 9 a.m. Saturday.OTE U15 ladies were the team to beat as Julie Wildeman, Jenna Phelps and Sarah Fedor took the top three finishes. These young ladies are enjoying their first year of competitive cycling under the tutelage of Loraine Proctor (On The Edge Bike Shop).
With a year or more ahead of them racing U15, OTE young guns Matt Brown, Sebastian Sleep and Nick Pike left their marks. Although no podium finishes, they rode hard and finished exhausted. You can't ask for more than that.
U17/Sr. Sport Men/Women had a great showing. On the podium was Colwyn Sleep, first, Christine Lynch, second and Lexy Wishlow, second. Although not on the podium, Jessie Horn and James Law rode valiantly.
The Expert/Pro were on Course at 11 a.m. as racers battled for points to wrap up their overall position for the series.
Matt Cottrell's hard-earned sixth place elite left him ecstatic.
Chris Bates and Brett Wildeman, original members of the team five years ago, rode their last competitive race at the finals. They went out in style as Chris secured a place on the podium and Brett took third place overall for the series. These two racers played a big part in the team's development over the years and we wish them luck at the University of Victoria this fall.
U17/Junior Experts Sean Stanhope and Katherine Short continued to represent. Katherine's first place finish saw her crowned first overall for the series. Sean rode aggressively, placing second in the race and series. Sean and Katherine are looking forward to next season attending Nationals, Canada Cup races, B.C. Summer Games and maybe even a few international events.
The downhill crowd woke to cold and torrential rain on Sunday morning. Although the course was treacherous, racers Curtis Robinson, Dylan Dunkerton and Riley Percheson survived. Curtis was on the podium in second, Riley fifth and Dylan 21st after a tough go.
Downhill diva Micayla Gatto was unable to attend, with a legitimate excuse, as she is in Italy for the World Championships.
All in all, it's been a great season capped off by a great weekend. OTE may represent a small community, but we are a huge presence. The friendliness, sportsmanship and hospitality of our ambassadors have put the Sunshine Coast on the cycling map.
Next year will be just as fun, challenging and exciting, so stay tuned as we watch these young athletes grow and develop.
If you are interested in competitive cycling, volunteering or sponsoring the team, check us out at www.ontheedgebiking.com or call 604-885-4888.
