BC Bike Race leaves the Sunshine Coast
Riders heads to Squamish to start penultimate stage
After four tough days at the BC Bike Race, competitors were treated to some of the best Sunshine Coast singletrack on stage five. Snaking along trails that include HWY 102, Sidewinder and Sprokids, racers became riders – of only briefly – relaxing and enjoying the flow.
“Sometimes I kill myself to follow someone, sometimes on singletrack I’m alone, no one in front nobody behind, and I get really lazy and I only follow the flow and it’s really nice to do it like that,” said Jonas Vuille of Switzerland, who is tenth in the men’s open division.
Despite the scenic surroundings and flowing trails, the race is still on, and two more full days remain.
Wendy Simms continues to be unbeaten in the women’s open category, but is continuing to fend off attacks from the New Zealander Kim Hurst.
“It’s always good to see someone with heart not giving up despite having odds against them. There are still two days left and if she keeps playing the game to win, her day might be sooner than later,” said Simms, of Hurst’s performance so far.
In the men’s division, Kris Sneddon holds his lead over 2012 winner Neil Kindree. Based on last year’s race, Kindree is expected to charge hard on the final two days, comprised mostly of his home trails. Kindree won last year with attacks on the final two days and will likely try the same this year.
Third place was picked up by Spencer Paxson, as part of an ongoing battle between the third to fifth ranked riders. Erik Skovgaard sits in fourth and shows no signs of letting Paxson get away.
In the Enduro portion of the race, Rocky Mountain rider Andreas Hestler won both enduro stages of the day on the newly-released Rocky Mountain Instinct. Hestler has opted for the bigger bike as his focus is primarily on the Enduro portion of the event.
Simms continues to hold the top spot in the women’s Enduro rankings. Only a big mistake could see her unseated.
On the sixth day, the riders will take on a 48km stage in Squamish, including the Half Nelson trail. Racers will climb nearly 1800 metres on the mountainous trails.
