With riders having only recently taken their first laps in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park earlier this month, Crankworx might seem like it's off in the distance.
But with less than three months to go before the legendary mountain bike festival, organizers are seeking volunteers for a variety of roles.
In a May 22 release, Crankworx put out the call looking for folks to help out with this year's event, set to run from Aug. 10 to 19. Positions available include: competitor relations, on-hill sport crew, Kidsworx crew and awards crew. Volunteers receive a 2018 bike park ticket for every 12 hours worked, snacks, access to the Crankworx volunteer party and the chance to win prizes.
Shift selection for returning volunteers begins Friday, May 25 while new volunteers can start selecting shifts on Monday, May 28.
In 2017, 322 volunteers contributed over 5,200 hours.
"My first job with Crankworx was as a volunteer in 2005," Crankworx World Tour general manager Darren Kinnaird said in the release. "I was helping out with the awards ceremonies, and it was an experience of a lifetime being able to get behind-the-scenes of this sport I love and work alongside so many passionate, like-minded people. In my role now, it's so exciting to see this community of volunteers that rises up and joins the Crankworx family each year. We couldn't do what we do without them."
For more information, visit www.crankworx.com.
GranFondo offers training rides
Those looking to take on the RBC GranFondo Whistler for the first time can take part in a new training program offered through the race.
The MyFirstFondo training clinic will run Wednesday nights for 12 weeks starting on June 13. The rides will start at Whistler Village Sports and run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cost for the clinics is $250 and does not include an entry into the GranFondo. However, participants can purchase an entry for a reduced price.
For more information, visit www.rbcgranfondo.com/whistler/training-clinics.
Red Bull 400 registration opens
The Red Bull 400 is set to return after missing 2017.
Smoke from nearby forest fires forced the cancellation of last year's event, but registration for the 2018 event is now open.
The race, set for July 14 at Whistler Olympic Park, takes competitors up the park's ski jump in the world's steepest 400-metre challenge.
Competitors can register as either solo competitors or as part of four-person men's or mixed-gender relay teams.
Volunteers are also still required.
For more information, visit www.redbull.com/ca-en/events/rb400-whistler.
Pemberton Secondary soccer team off to provincials
The Pemberton Secondary School Red Devils girls' soccer team won its zone and is now off to Penticton.
At the Lower Mainland Single-A tournament, Pemberton nicked King David 3-2 in overtime before blanking West Point Grey 3-0 and Jules Verne 2-0 to punch their ticket to the 'A' provincials in Penticton from May 31 to June 2.
The school's mountain bike team took home zone titles for the junior girls, senior girls, and senior boys divisions in the North Shore School Sports League this season. Both Pemberton and Whistler secondary schools will be represented at the provincial championships on May 26 and 27 in Salmon Arm.
