Tips for racing Ontario Spring Classics from the ‘king’

Fans of bike racing are familiar with the collection of one-day events in Europe, known as the Spring Classics. Each is hard thanks to the roads, and most of them are made harder by challenging conditions that can bring rain or snow, or a terrible mix of both. And yet, for many, overcoming these challenges is what gives the spring races their classic nature.

For the second year in a row, the four Ontario Spring Classics will partner to declare the King and Queen of Spring. The distinct events vary enough to ensure the fastest riders must be adaptable.

“I like these early events better,” said 2013 King of the Spring, Nathan Chown. “Tough conditions demand not just fitness but the right mental state. In 2013 I didn’t target wins, but I wanted to do well enough to go for a win if things went my way.”

Kicking off the season is the Steaming Nostril, near Guelph, Ont. The 68-km route is made up of mostly farm lanes and dirt roads, and the 2014 edition is slated for March 23.

“No one knew what to expect [in 2013],” said Chown. “It was the first time it ran, and there were no real selection opportunities. On top of that, there was an icy section that had to be plowed.”

Next on the list is the Tour of Bronte, in Bronte Creek Provincial Park, near Oakville, Ont. The race is split between pavement and gravel roads and riders race multiple times around an 8-km lap, and will be held April 5.

The longest event in the series is the Hell of the North, which challenges riders with a 125 km course in Durham region, east of Toronto. Again, the surface is mixed, with muddy sections a common feature of the race.

“Hell of the North was the hardest event,” said Chown. “I did set out to win, and wanted to get a small group—maybe three or four—and stay away. Mike [Garrigan] and I got away, but ended up off course and had to restart.”

The series finishes with the Paris to Ancaster, Hamilton. Run through farm lanes, and along bike paths and gravel roads, the April 27 event is planned to cover 70 km.

“At Paris to Ancaster, there’s a lot of firepower, people who don’t show up for the other events,” said Chown, who was unable to get away with the lead group. Despite this, Chown edged Garrigan in the points overall, taking the title.

Points are awarded at each event based on finishing position, with the top male and female riders earning the crown of King and Queen of the Spring.

Chown said that the biggest mistake people make in preparing for these races is to get fit without getting outside.

“You need to get on the race bike a couple of times a week and get on trails. You need to train yourself to take a beating on the rougher trails,” said Chown. “When you’re racing, you need to keep your head up. A lot of crashes happen because people aren’t aware of what or who is around them.”