Coast riders ruled the Rat Race last weekend in Roberts Creek.
More than 500 mountain bikers came to ride the cross-country and downhill races in the Creek on May 31 and June 1. Hundreds came from Vancouver, Whistler and surrounding areas, but the locals were tough to beat.
The overall winner of 46.5 kilometres marathon cross-country race was pro rider Kris Sneddon with a time of 2:27:07. Sneddon hails from the Sunshine Coast, but his professional riding career keeps him on the move. He was happy to compete on his home turf where he came in nearly three minutes ahead of the second place rider, Matt Green, also from the Coast.Overall winner of the downhill race was 17-year-old Dylan Dunkerton of Roberts Creek who schooled the pros with a time of two minutes and 54 seconds.
Dunkerton surprised himself with the win.
"I didn't really pedal and I took it easy. I didn't think I was going that fast, but I guess I was," he laughed.
Despite the ease of the win, Dunkerton doesn't expect to go pro anytime soon, saying he prefers to ride for fun.
Locals also took podium spots in various age categories, which were equally shared with off-Coast riders.
The two-day provincial championship races were a whirlwind of activity for organizers Larry and Teresa Nightingale. The pair took on the challenge with the hope it would be similar to organizing a running race -something they have extensive knowledge in.
"But it was way more complex because it was a Cycling B.C. event. There are all kinds of rules and regulations that go along with that. In a running race the runners just pick up their numbers and off they go," Teresa said.
Former race organizers Rod and Tanya Camposano know well the challenges associated with putting on the Rat Race.
"It is a huge amount of work and it's not just for one day; it's for six months before the race even starts," Rod said.
The Camposanos created the Rat Race and have been providing the racing experience for six years on the Coast. This was the seventh annual Rat Race, and the Camposanos needed a break.
"We just found there were not enough people to sign on to help out, and it can't be done alone," Rod said.
This year's race took the help of some 70 volunteers. The Nightingales were thankful for the army of helpers.
They also thank their many sponsors for making this year's race a success. Teresa admits she and Larry aren't planning to take on the challenge again next year.
They hope someone in the community will give it a try in 2009 and Teresa invites anyone interested to give them a call at 604-885-8849.
For local race results, see the Sports Ticker on page C10. For full results, see www.ratrace2.com.
