The 2016 BC Cyclocross Championships was by far the most epic race on the provincial calendar and not just for the deep pool of cycling talent who showed up to compete. This is one day that will permanently be etched in the minds of many.
The November 26th race, held at the Loggers Sports Grounds in Squamish, BC, turned into more of a test for survival, than a race for a championships jersey.
Intense rains covered the course with large pools of frigid water, which only got deeper as the day went on. The temperature, hovering at around 2 degrees Celsius, teased us with turning the rain to snow.
At the start line, you could see the faces of athletes ready to compete. Once on the course, the looks on those faces took the form of tears, blanc stares, anger, confusion and pain!
Once-rideable sections turned to long runs in the muck. According to one rider, “I could not feel my feet anymore. It was like running on tree stumps.”
Right from the start, riders got wetter and colder. The first aid tent turned into a make-shift warming hut to deal with the constant stream of potential hypothermia cases.
Elite Men’s winner Craig Richey commented, “this race made my top 5 toughest races,” citing epic races, like a World Cup in Zolder, Belgium, covered in snow, among the list!
The real winners of the day went to the 300 racers, event volunteers, and spectators who braved the elements to embrace the true heart of cycling in BC. Once riders warmed-up and recovered from their race, you could see a sense of accomplishment in the smiles on their faces.
“We have such an amazing cycling community here in BC. It was great to see how everyone came together to make this a very special day,” commented Cycling BC Race Coordinator Barry Lyster.
Cycling BC would like to thank Dan Gronross, Paul McCarthy and their organizing committee for hosting another amazing BC Cyclocross Championship event. We would also like to thank Steed Cycles, Giant Canada, District of Squamish and all the sponsors and supporters for making this event possible.
2016 BC Cyclocross Champions
Elite Men – Craig Richey / Garneau – Easton Cycling
Elite Women – Mical Dyck / Naked Factory Racing
Single Speed – Richard Machhein / Team GIANT Vancouver
Master Men 60+ – Ian Parker / HSC Garneau
Master Men 50+ – Ken Olson
Master Men 40+ – Justin Mark / Steed Cycles
Master Men 30+ – Drummond Lawson / Georgia Cylcing
Master Women 50+ – Carolyn Daubeny
Master Women 40+ – Karen Todd
Master Women 30+ – Denise Mahon
Junior Men – Ethan Pauly / Tripleshot Cycling Club
U17 Boy – Carter Wood
U15 Boy – Lief Rodgers / DEVO pb Fortius
U13 Boy – Noah Rabuliak / Red Devils Cycling Academy
U17 Girl – Sarah Van Dam / Tripleshot Cycling Club
U15 Girl – Lilly Ujfalusi / DEVO pb Fortius
U13 Girl – Geza Rodgers / DEVO pb Fortius
For full results, click here.
