Bay of Quinte road race challenge and tour: Varabei wins

On Sunday, Anton Varabei (Jet Fuel – Norco) won the second annual Bay of Quinte Road Race Challenge and Tour. Varabei was a part of a three-man break away with Silber Pro Cycling’s Ryan Roth and Charlie Bryer (Independent). Roth came across the line in second, while Bryer finished a distant third.

The three broke free with 70-km of 120-km remaining after Roth accelerated on a climb. There were several attacks in the early going of the race. Tim Burton (Real Deal Gears) attacked right from the beginning before being brought back and a six rider move formed. Pete Morse (Octto – Cervelo), Graham Rivers (Real Deal Gears), Vito Barbara (B1 Racing), Roth, Bryer and Varabei were all in the lead group 30-km into the race. Once the leaders reached day’s main climb, Roth increased the tempo which proved to be the winning selection.

The parcours were challenging with many rolling hills and sections exposed to wind. The added element of heavy rain was perhaps the biggest factor of the day. For the majority of the 120-km race it was pouring rain. At times the 55 riders competing were drenched by relentless thunderstorms and wind. The weather finally cleared towards the end of the day.

In only its second year, the Bay of Quinte Road Race Challenge and Tour is looking to develop into a race with complete categories in years to come.  The Bay of Quinte Tourism group are eager to develop the race into a major draw in 2015. Nevertheless, after a long season for many it was an ideal local event to close out the season.