BC’s spring classic road race, Jeremy’s Roubaix, returns to Pitt Meadows, BC on April 12th. With over twelve years of history racing the rural roadways and gravel dyke network along the banks of the Fraser River, the 2015 edition will see some changes to the event.
Jeremy’s Roubaix will now be the first race in the Cycling BC Premier Race series. The series consists of seven races utilizing the province’s top road events. Other races in the series include Race the Ridge, May 30, 31, Cameron Law Cycling Classic, June 6, 7, and finishes with BC Superweek’s UBC Grand Prix, July 14 and Tour de White Rock’s Criterium, July 17.
“We are very excited to have such a strong collection of races to highlight the amazing road events we have here in BC. Like last year, I anticipate a very competitive series with the overall winner being decided when the riders hit the streets of White Rock” commented Cycling BC Race Coordinator and local race organizer, Barry Lyster.
Jeremy’s Roubaix will also be the first race for Cycling BC’s Youth Series. BC has seen a sharp increase in youth cycling, in particular thanks to the strong commitment from Cycling BC youth initiatives such as iRide, along with the growth of BC’s youth cycling clubs. There will be categories for boys and girls from ages 13 to 19 years.
Another significant change is the race’s name to Jeremy’s Roubaix. Previous editions of this race have been called Harris Roubaix and most recently Barry’s Roubaix.
“Calling this challenging, tough race Jeremy’s Roubaix was an obvious choice” said Barry Lyster, “I decided to name this race after Canadian cycling legend, Jeremy Storie who sadly and suddenly died two years ago. Jeremy was a coach, event organizer, race announcer, racer, story teller and strong advocate for women’s and youth cycling. Many of his athletes, who benefited from his coaching, mentoring and support include Olympic bronze medal winner, Jasmine Glaesser and Gillian Carleton, along with World Championship medalists Steph Roorda, Laura Brown and Canadian Champions Jacob Schwingboth and Maggie Coles-Lyster, just to name a few. Jeremy even won this race back in 2004!”
The weekend of racing will start on Saturday, April 11th with the Airport Time Trial. This 12km time trial course, where riders race against the clock for the best time, will give racers an opportunity to get their time trial bikes ready for the up-coming season. Cycling BC will have commissaires on-site to check bikes for UCI compliance and to help educate the racers on the rules. On Sunday, April 12th, Jeremy’s Roubaix begins at 8:30am and winds up around 2:00pm.
For more information, to register, or to volunteer, go to www.localride.ca.
