Vancouver’s Danika Schroeter may be forced to miss the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in New Zealand in late August as a result of her choice of podium T-shirts at the Canadian National Downhill Championships last month in Whistler.
The T-shirt in question had the words "100% Pure Woman Champ 2006" written in marker on the front – a dig at national champion Michelle Dumaresq, who underwent a sex change operation in the mid-90s.
Dumaresq’s female status has been accepted by the UCI, Canadian Cycling Association, IOC and other sanctioning bodies, but has never quite been accepted by other female downhill racers, who feel that Dumaresq retains a physical and mental advantage despite the operation and hormone therapies.
The two athletes stood side by side on the podium, with Schroeter in second place. Schroeter’s shirt prompted some inappropriate comments from the crowd which Dumaresq took in stride.
According to Schroeter she was given the T-shirt by her boyfriend just before the medal ceremony, and wore it at the encouragement of others. She has since expressed regret for the incident, but there’s no word on whether she will appeal the Canadian Cycling Association’s decision to suspend her from racing.
According to the CCA, Schroeter’s protest contravened at least three rules, including rules regarding conduct. The maximum suspension was six months, but the association only suspended Schroeter for three months.
Schroeter has until Aug. 11 to appeal the decision.
During her suspension Schroeter is prohibited against competing in any sanctioned cycling events, including the upcoming world championships.
Samurai deadline today
Returning Samurai of Singletrack riders have until after tonight’s (Thursday, Aug. 3) weekly Loonie Race to hand in their registration forms for the sixth annual epic Sept. 16-17.
After Thursday organizers will see how many registered riders they have and decide whether to open any spots to the public through a contest, draw or other test. The event was originally limited to just 100 riders, but has crept up to around 115 in recent years with the addition of past volunteers and the strong interest from new and returning riders.
The Samurai has the distinction of being the longest and hardest Whistler ride, taking place on the most technically difficult trails in town.
This year’s event promises to be even more challenging, with organizers planning a two-day, 100 km ride. It would likely be broken up 60-40 to give riders a break on the second day, but in the words of Tony Horn, "We said before that it’s not going to get any easier."
This is also the sixth event of a seven-race series. Only riders that have completed all six events – about 50 mountain bikers – will be invited to the seventh "ultimate Samurai" event in 2007.
The cost to participate is $150, which includes a shirt, dinner and camping on Saturday night, breakfast on Sunday and the after-party at Teppan Village. Any proceeds from registration will go back into next year’s Samurai.
The course is a secret, and will not be revealed until the Sept. 14 Loonie race and Pique Newsmagazine.
Nordic Walking trainer coming to Whistler
This Saturday, Aug. 5 Nordic walking trainer Nathan Goldberg will be in Whistler to introduce the sport of Nordic walking. Goldberg is sponsored by Leki, which makes the poles used for the sport, which has taken off in Europe because of its health benefits.
Nordic walking has more in common with cross-country skiing than with either hiking or running, and is relatively low impact.
"Already very popular in Europe, Nordic walking has fantastic health benefits, and is popular with people looking for heart health, possible lower blood sugar, posture alignment and a social way to burn calories," explained Robin McLeish, Leki’s Whistler representative. "Nordic walking combines the positive training effects of running or walking with the total body exercise advantages of cross country skiing. The result is a total body workout that burns up to 40 per cent more calories without walking faster or longer. It creates less pressure on the back and lower joints, thus benefiting those who may suffer from a damaged knee, hip or back."
Goldeberg will be teaching three free one-hour sessions, explaining technique, warm-up and stretching exercises, and the health and fitness benefits of Nordic walking.
To take part you’ll need a Peak Adventure sightseeing ticket on Whistler Mountain. The sessions meet outside the Roundhouse Lodge and leave at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Come dressed for the weather (it’s cooler at the peak). Poles will be provided.
Coaching association looks to up female quotient
The Coaches Association of B.C., ProMotion Plus and the B.C. Games Society have launched a program to mentor female sport coaches, increasing representation in a wide range of sports.
Under the program 20 females will be paired up with experienced coaches that will be participating in the B.C. Summer and Winter Games in 2008. The mentors will have the opportunity to work with their apprentices through the training cycles.
"We’re thrilled to be involved with the B.C. Games Society and the Coaches Association of B.C. to provide programming for female apprenticeship coaches," said Beverly Siver, executive direction of ProMotion Plus. ProMotion plus encourages women to participate in sport and physical activity.
The mentors will be selected in the next few months, after which point the partners will begin their search for female candidates.
