
October 29, 2007
COQUITLAM, BRITISH COLUMBIA - On Saturday November 3, some of the best cyclocross racers in British Columbia will converge on Coquitlam's spectacular Town Centre Park for Team Escape Velocity's Crossquitlam! presented by Capital West Mortgage Inc; the seventh and final race in the FloraGLO Cyclocross BC Cup. This race will mark the conclusion to a very intense cyclocross racing season in the Lower Mainland that has seen racer participation at an all time high, a clear indication of sport's exploding popularity in British Columbia.
"We were excited by the caliber of the competition at EV's GP of Cyclocross and we expect a good turn out for this race because it is the BC Cup final and riders will be eligible for double series points." Jak New, Team Escape Velocity race director said. "We are never quite sure who will show up, but at the last race we had some surprise entrants, including Danish National cyclocross champion Joachim Parbo and international mountain bike superstars Max Plaxton and Alison Sydor."
The Crossquitlam! course will feature Euro-style off camber grassy knolls, pave, stairs and barriers. The course itself is mostly flat, however two punishing deep sand sections, a BMX track and a short single track section through a wooded area will ensure everyone is pushed to their physical limits. This is a true spectator's course and all sections are within easy walking distance of the parking lot.
Thanks to the generous support of Capital West Mortgage Inc, there will be a total cash purse of over $800. With the recent appreciation of the Canadian dollar ($1 Canadian = $1.0471 US), this gives US based riders even more incentive to make the trip north, eh!
Event Details
Date: November 3, 2007
Location: Coquitlam Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC
Time: Sign on opens at 9 am and closes 10 minutes before your start time
- 9:30 AM - Under 16 Kids Race - 20 minutes
- 10:00 AM - Men's C & Women's C - 30 minutes (staggered start)
- 10:45 AM - Men's B & Women's A - 40 minutes (staggered start)
- 12:00 PM - Men's A - 60 minutes
Note 1: Mountain bikes are ALLOWED in all races except "A" category. So come on out, and race what you have. No special bike is necessary.
Note 2: All US riders MUST have a UCI licence. USCF licences are not valid at this race.
For complete details:
www.escapevelocity.bc.ca/crossqutilam
For more information on the FloraGLO Cyclocross BC Cup see:
www.cyclingBC.net/

17 October 2007

SEATTLE, WA - The First Rate Mortgage Cycling Team is pleased to announce the expansion and development of its women's squad for 2008. With returning riders and new recruits, the FRM women's team now totals fourteen female athletes in categories 2-4.
The first contingent of women to be added to the team roster hail from the west side of Puget Sound. Four of them pulled off a recent racing triumph by clinching second place in the masters women B division at the state team time trial championship in Elma in August. Brenda Green, Lisa Lund, Kathi McMahon, and Tonia Schmidt signed up with FRM after the official Meet the Team Ride in mid-September. These cat 3 and 4 women saw lots of racing action in 2007, from Ice Breaker to TST to Methow and Walla Walla. Also coming to FRM from Bainbridge are long-time, part-time racer Julie Houck and experienced triathlete Nora Masters, who has a few bike races on her resume as well.
Perhaps more familiar to Seattle racers are women who made the move from other local teams. Zana Faulkner finished the 2007 season in first place in the WSBA cat 4 women's rider rankings. Jitka ("I like mud") Cole is still racing strong, with the cyclocross season in full swing. Sile Kiernan, who whisked herself off to the hospital (with a broken collarbone) before the officials knew she had crashed at Redmond Derby, brings the number of Irish nationals on the team to a lucky three. And Joanne Green comes to FRM with a bunch of top-5 finishes in 2007, including a win in the Nooksack criterium.
Just starting out in bike racing (but no stranger to bikes) is the newest racer on the team, Robin Secrist, who is making the transition to bike racing after winning the 2007 Seafair Triathlon (and other events). Donna Peters and Sara Graham will continue to ride for FRM, and Martha Walsh returns to the team after a year in another jersey.
The first order of business in 2008 will be securing some upgrade points for cat 4s ready to transition to cat 3. And the opportunities for cat 3 women in Washington in 2008 are exciting. In addition to a separate BARR ranking, this category should see separate scoring at key women's races during the season and maybe even separate races (from the women cat 1-2s) by the end of the season. The cat 4 race series will be bigger and better and more publicized in 2008 and will provide excitement and motivation for riders at this level. The team also has an eye on regional stage races and other challenging events to round out the season.
The FRM women are looking forward to camaraderie and competition in 2008. It's a great group where everyone has valuable experience and insights to share, and everyone can learn from everyone else. Watch for the FRM team colors at every event on the 2008 race calendar, from Mason Lake to masters nationals!
For more information please contact:
Martha Walsh
Pazzo Velo Cycling Team :
http://www.pazzovelo.com

October 12, 2007

The Vancouver-based Escape Velocity Cat 1/2 Men's Team is looking to strengthen its roster for 2008. Now in its fourth year of existence, the team continues in its mission to be a pre-eminent youth development road team in the Lower Mainland. The red and black clad EV team was a significant force in 2007, compiling numerous top-tens and several podium places and is looking to become an even more dominant force for 2008.
The team is looking to add youth and strength to its squad and stresses teamwork, commitment, and discipline in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. The team holds structured rides and a team camp and is supported by team managers, experienced team captains and has the backing of one of the strongest cycling clubs in Canada.
Selected riders will receive comprehensive support including Louis Garneau equipment and clothing, race expense support, Power Bar products and generous support from La Bicicletta and Wentings Cycle bicycle shops.
In addition to the sponsors noted above, Escape Velocity also receives generous support from the Peak Centre for Human Performance, Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre, 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of British Columbia.
Qualifications:
Riders must be Category 1 or Category 2 licensed racer based in the Lower Mainland area. Riders are expected to be committed to team goals and objectives through the 2008 season. Preference will be given to riders under the age of 25 but all are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact:
John Tolkamp,
Tim Abercrombie and/or
Jak New .
Application Deadline: October 24, 2007.
For more details about Escape Velocity's Cat 1-2 Team:
http://www.escapevelocity.bc.ca/node/2
Team Escape Velocity Club Website:
http://www.escapevelocity.bc.ca
Editor's Note: Washington State racers interested in applying may do so if they are able to make it to B.C. for training rides, races and other team funtions on a consistent basis.
