Crank the Shield stage race returns to Ontario for 2018

Multi-day mountain bike race returns from hiatus at new location

Terry McKall January 22, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li9GfVz4nzY

Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. will be the new host of Crank the Shield mountain bike stage race from Aug. 17 – 19, 2018. Returning from a three year hiatus, the three day mountain bike stage race moves north from its Haliburton roots to continue its tradition of affordable stage racing on the Canadian Shield. The race’s new location in Algoma Country will take riders on a three day, point-to-point course to the finish line in Sault Ste. Marie. The unique race format starts with a world famous backcountry train ride to the start line on the Algoma Canyon Railway. Participants then embark on a fully supported mountain bike journey back towards Sault Ste. Marie.

Hosted by Chico Racing and Superfly Racing, Crank the Shield has been held in communities across Ontario since 2008, always taking place on, or near the Canadian Shield. “The Algoma region offers excellent terrain, and we know riders are going to be very impressed with the quality of the trails and landscapes around Sault Ste. Marie,” said Sean Ruppel, President of Superfly Racing.

The event is open to solo or two person teams and has added a novel “hopscotch” category for 2018. For those who don’t want to race three days straight, or for teams of two that want to bring the family along, you and your race partner can alternate racing days and rest days, so everyone still travels together.

Riders will travel an average of 80 km a day, along trails and rail grade routes. Day one starts with 90 km of riding, after the Algoma Canyon Railway tour. Day two will be a 70 km stretch across the Algoma region. The final day, day three, takes racers 70 km back to the finish line in Sault Ste. Marie, where the journey began.

Registration for Crank the Shield 2018 is open now. For more details, a route map, and registration, visit Cranktheshield.com