After all 800 spots in the 2007 Test of Metal were snapped up in 48 minutes, shutting out many locals and veterans who have raced the event for years, organizers have decided to modify the registration process.
“We recognized the need to tweak our registration process, so this year we’re going to try something different with the hope that it will work a little better,” said race director Cliff Miller.
The first thing that is different is that organizers are planning to oversell the event by 200 entries and eliminate the waitlist. If someone drops out, they will not be replaced, and everyone who makes it through the initial registration can go into the season expecting to race 67 km in June.
In addition to overselling the race by 200 spots, organizers are offering 200 spots to locals from 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 to midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Those spots will be open to residents from Furry Creek to D’Arcy who can provide proof of residency with a B.C. drivers license or identification card, and a secondary piece of identification. All paperwork has to be received by the following Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at Connections, 37710 Second Avenue in Squamish, or by fax to 604-892-3380.
“We have hundreds of local volunteers and thousands of local spectators, many of whom are out there to cheer on their friends and neighbours,” said Miller. The locals registration will ensure that those volunteers and spectators have a chance to race.
Regular registration will start at 6 p.m. on Jan. 1, and will be capped at 800 racers on a first-come, first served basis.
With the elimination of the waitlist, there will also be no refunds, cancellations or transfers this year.
“It may seem that we’re increasing the number of participants, but our data shows that approximately 20 per cent of those who register will not ride,” said Miller. “In the past we’ve filled those spots through the waiting list, but feedback from riders indicates that they would like to know sooner rather than later that they’re in the race so that they can begin their training.”
The only exception is in the Pro Elite category. As always, registered Pro Elite racers will be able to sign up until the day of the race.
Organizers are also bringing back cash prizes to the Pro Elite categories, in addition to the cash prizes along the course. The top-five men and women will receive $250 for first, $150 for second, $100 for third, $75 for fourth and $50 for fifth. The total prize purse is $1,250.
New categories next year are 50 to 54, and 70-Plus.
