Superweek 2009
Superweek
BC Super week is the highlight of Western Canadian cycling, a race
which attracts more top level professionals than anywhere else west
of the prairies. This year Trek Red Truck featured prominently at
both the Tour de Delta and the Tour of White Rock.
The first weekend of the series was the Tour of
Delta, a three race event with a cumulative time to determine the
overall winner. The team rode decent in the prologue, placing several
riders within striking distance for the overall contention. The
following evening was a downtown Ladner crit where the red and white of
Red Truck Beer was on the front or off the front regularly dictating a
lot of the action. The end result of the evening saw little change to
the GC battle for us and we started to prepare for a pivotal road race.
Just like the recent Tour de France stage that everyone had watched
several times, the road race had a critical section exposed to the wind.
A couple teams united on the front to drive a split through this
section effectively guttering and exploding 80% of the pack. Some formed
strong chase groups determined to get back on, while other riders
called it a day…the wind has a way of demoralizing some riders. All the
Trek riders either made the initial split or gritted their teeth to
ensure contact into the final laps. Jamie was quite active in the
shorter loops and contended for a few early KOM points while Tyler and
Nic prepared for an inevitable series of attacks where riders would play
their hand at gaining time on GC. Following a list of very strong
professionals including the Bissell, Ouch and Kelly Benefits programs,
Trek Red Truck presented by Mosaic Homes slotted in with Nic as the top
amateur in 6th and Tyler in 9th. The team was pleased with this result
but with White Rock on tap all the riders were fixated on stepping up to
the podium.
The crit in White Rock maintains the hilly
theme and is fast with three corners and a downhill bend. Tyler did a
great ride slotting into third and sharing the podium with Pinner and
Randerson both excellent criterium riders…a podium of gentlemen.
The final day was the road race, and it was
quite the day. With some reshuffling a break got away with Jamie in it.
The group stayed away and Jamie rolled in for a solid 5
th place.
With 2009 Superweek done we are heading down
to the Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, Oregon. This will hands down be
the most difficult race many of us will have done with nearly all the
top hitters in the NRC circuit present. That being said, we are all
quite excited for the challenge and proving ourselves amongst the best.
I would encourage those reading this update to
check out the “Partners Tab” at the top of the screen to explore the
depth and variety of local support we are very thankful to have and
equally as proud to represent. The confidence that is inspired through
such solid sponsors has a remarkable impact on the performance of the
riders, as all we need to worry about is riding our bikes.
Photos courtesy of
John Irvine