The Symmetrics Cycling team is breaking apart after five years, the search for a new sponsor being unsuccessful. But the team could reform in 2010 with the proper funding.
It was the best run ever for a Canadian road team, with 25 championship medals, 180 wins, and top-three rankings in North America for three years running. The team was also instrumental in winning Olympic quota spots for Canadian riders, and two riders, Svein Tuft and Zach Bell, finished seventh in the Olympic time trial and road race respectively. Last week Tuft finished second in the UIC World Championship time trial.
While the team is on hiatus, riders are leaving the organization and looking for other teams for the coming season. That includes Whistler’s Will Routley, who is in his fourth year with the team and his been part of the team’s winning efforts.
Some of the team’s top riders have been picked up by top U.S. teams, where they will have a chance to ride in the 2009 Tour de France. Others will go to teams that compete in North America,
Test of Metal Series confirmed, with dates
Last year Squamish race organizers attempted to create a triple crown of events including a new race, the Orecrusher, and the notorious Test of Metal and Gearjammer races. Unfortunately there was a hitch right away as the Orecrusher used different age groups than the other races, making it impossible to score the series or crown overall winners.
This year organizers are more, well, organized, and have rebranded the Squamish Triple Crown as the 2009 Test of Metal Series.
The series kicks off on May 9 with the OreCrusher, a multi-lap cross-country race on the rocky and rooty “dump trails” in Brackendale.
The second event is the annual North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal on June 20, a 67-km mountain bike epic that sells out within hours of the start of registration.
Last, but not least, is the GearJammer on July 25, which is arguably the most technical of the three races.
More information, including registration details for Test of Metal, will be posted online in the coming weeks and months at www.testofmetal.com.
Pemberton to Run for the Cure
On Oct. 5, Pemberton is hosting a local edition of the national CIBC Run for the Cure, a 5 km run, walk or bike to raise money and awareness of breast cancer. More than 50 communities across Canada take part, with the proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
This is the fourth year for the Pemberton event, which takes place out of Pemberton Airport Park. The event starts at 10 a.m., with registration from 9 a.m. onwards. You can donate on the day of the event, but you can also donate or register for a virtual run at www.cibcrunforthecure.com.
Whistler Dart League starting season
The Whistler Dart League is launching its 2008-09 season with a team captains meeting on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. at Tapley’s Pub. Anyone interested in entering a team, with a minimum of four players — or who wants to join an existing team — should attend. Questions can be sent to Mike Burns at kanuhead@hotmail.com.
Learn to Race Cyclocross
Cycling B.C. is hosting two Learn to Race Cyclocross Clinics in the Lower Mainland, starting with an event at New Brighton Park this Sunday, Oct. 5. The second clinic is on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Musqueam Park.
Both clinics are free, and open to juniors, men and women.
Cyclocross is a popular race format for the off-season, combine road racing with mountain biking. Most of the race takes place on gravel and dirt trails using modified road bikes, and courses include obstacles where riders have to get off their bikes and run up hills. Courses are usually short, with competitors making multiple laps.
For more information, visit www.cyclingbc.net, or contact Paul Crosby at paul@cyclingbc.net.
