Race the Ridge

On May 6th, the Grant family headed to Maple Ridge for the Race the Ridge stage race. It was cold and wet on Saturday morning for the first stage, which was the time trial. James and Mark raced in the Youth category which was 10km., while Steve and Andrew raced in cat. 3/4 men. James and Mark placed well with times of 15:33 and 16:02. Steve and Andrew also did well with Steve getting a time of 37:56 and Andrew a time of 34:48 over a 21 km. course. James and Mark had the fastest times in Race the Ridge history for the Youth category.

On Saturday evening, the clouds opened and rain, hail and thunder began. This resulted in flooding on part of the crierium course. Steve and Andrew's race was cancelled, but after the course was modified, James and Mark's group was able to race. Mark broke away on the second lap, but was caught on the 8th lap. James, Mark and a local youth made up the lead group. In the sprint finish, Mark beat older brother James to take 2nd, behind the local rider.

Sunday morning dawned grey but dry. Setting off on a 10 km road course, the youth group was led out by a pro rider.

On the second lap,

James and Mark broke away up the

first hill with another rider and stayed away from the splintered pack behind them.

With about 300 meters to go, James and Mark sprinted, leaving the 3rd rider behind. James won the sprint and came 1st overall. Mark came 2nd overall. Finding the hilly course a challenge, Steve and Andrew were dropped early. Fortunately, they were both able to finish the 68 km race, with Steve finishing 3 minutes ahead of Andrew.

Race the Ridge was a fun experience and we are looking forward to racing again next year.