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Hayman Classic returns to South Okanagan Friday

The event has become a mainstay for young cyclists in British Columbia

Image: CyclingBC.net

The Hayman Classic will start Friday. Throughout the course of three days, young riders will converge on the South Okanagan in B.C. to  take to speed and endurance events that cover the areas of Penticton and Oliver, B.C.

This year, that list of locales will also include — for the first time — the challenging turns, climbs and descends of Area 27, touted as the newest motor speedway in Canada.

The heavyweights involved, notably, are gilded by one name: Ron Hayman, a 62-year-old Canadian athlete who, in 1972, was the youngest name on the Canadian cycling roster at that year’s Olympic games. After riding in Europe and the U.S. with the 7-Eleven cycling team, Hayman turned his attention to fostering a new, powerful generation of talent, intent on raising cyclists between the ages of 13 and 19 to a high standard.

“We will have the cream of the junior categories of road cycling come to the Okanagan,” Hayman said in the Kelowna Capital News, referring to the anticipated tempo of competition at the Hayman Classic. With more than 75 young, up-and-coming riders already scheduled—representing a field of competition from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and the Yukon, with others from Saskatchewan and Manitoba expected to compete—the 2017 edition of the event is likely to set new momentum.

Here’s a look at what this weekend’s Hayman Classic will involve:

Friday, June 9: A race north along steep grades for 10 km, starting at Okanagan Falls. Competition will continue between 4 and 8 p.m. at Area 27, with food and refreshments.

Saturday, June 10: A criterium event along Riverside Drive in Penticton will test riders on tight corners and open straightaways, with bike-handling, braking and acceleration tests.

Sunday, June 11: Starting in Oliver, B.C., this day’s events will include a multi-lap road race, complete with hard climbs and fasts descents.

For further information or to pre-register, check out Hayman Classic online.