Off to the Sunshine coast on Canada Day.
The riders left Cumberland at an incredibly early hour and took two ferry rides on their way to Earls Cove.
Wednesday's ride begun from the ferry terminal in Earls Cove and finished in Sechelt village.
The Stage four course covered 60kms with an 1800m elevation gain. Many riders claim is some of the best single track in the west.
Stage four and five course manager is Rod Camposano. On the BCBR website I've been reading about Camposano's key involvement with the design, construction and maintenance of many of the trails on the Sunshine coast, which is justifies the post race rider feedback.
As a spectator the course made me want to get out my bike and tag along. Standing just off trail taking photos all I heard was cheering and chatting about this awesome trail.
Each leg of the race I've noticed riders struggling to give different feedback from the day before, typically describing and incredible day and having ridden some of the best single track they've ever experienced. Having tagged along this year I am definitely keen to participate in 2010.
As for the results.
Taking the win in the Open Men's category with a time of 3:27:46 was local favorite Kris Sneddon and race partner Barry Wicks riding for Team Kona.
Seamus McGrath and Chris Sheppard team (Jamis/SantaCruz) took 2nd place with a 328:04. Once again a very tight race.
Results are not yet up on the BCBR website, but quoted from the BCBR daily update:
"Colin Kerr, blasted across the Sechelt finish line in 3:43:13; unknown to Colin, until too late, Ruedi Schnyer snuck up in stealth mode to close the gap and cross the finish line in 3:43:11. Next across was Kevin Calhoun, in 3:49:20, with early stage winner, Tony HOGG, crossing approximately seven minutes later. This will be a close contest throughout the remaining three stages this week."
Full results link (for when they're posted)
After spending the night in Sechelt, the morning would present a race to the ferry. - Literally!
The stage 5 report is next to come: Sechelt to Langdale Ferry Terminal with single track heaven in between.
