Bunch racing is back in BC with the Covid-19 delayed return of Jeremy’s Roubaix and Rock the Ridge! Jeremy’s Roubaix will return on the new Paris Roubaix Sunday of October 25th with Rock the Ridge gravel race on November 1st.
The Covid-19 pandemic had put a halt on most organized sports in Canada, with Cycling not being immune. With the opening of Phase 3 Return to Sport, organizing a bike race with the many stakeholders involved such as Cycling BC and the Cities of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, still proved to be very complex. However, Local Ride Racing persevered and will be the first to offer bunch racing in BC.
“I was not willing to give up the fight as I really wanted to have a bike race happen in 2020. Done properly, bike racing can be held in a Covid-19 responsible format. We hope that these bike races will be a template that will open the door for ongoing races throughout the Pandemic. Even with limited entry, these races will still provide the full-on racing experience, complete with a sprint finish and a socially distanced podium for the winners,” comments race organizer Barry Lyster.
There have been so many disappointments for competitive cyclists, especially for aspiring Juniors who are aging out and were unable to compete nationally or internationally, and yet have continued patiently training for races that never made it to the calendar. We hope that this regional race will help kindle the spirit of cycling in BC.
The events will be run under specific Covid -19 rules. There will be 2-Cohorts of 50 riders each running at 2-separate start times. Each Cohort will contain 2-race categories who will have their own start wave. Masks will be mandatory at all times except while racing, and riders will be required to carry their masks with them in case they require outside assistance.
Support from these races will go towards Local Ride Racings Female U21 High Performance Race Team debuting in 2021. To help support this important project, please go to: http://support.bcamateursportfund.org/P0433
Space is limited. Register for Jeremy’s Roubaix: https://www.bikereg.com/racetheridge1
Register for Rock the Ridge: https://www.bikereg.com/racetheridge2
For more information go to: https://www.localride.ca
