And so, as it began, the DH season ended with
rain, more rain, and a whole lotta mud!
The Cycle Solutions DH #6 Provincial
Championships took place this past weekend at Camp Fortune in Gatineau,
Quebec. The rain and very muddy conditions couldn't, and didn't, keep the
riders away from the course. After a short delay on Saturday
in getting the lifts open, everyone was anxious to take on the new
course. Some were disappointed that both "couch's corner" and
"the dump" were excluded from this race, but others liked the new course
that included more berms and turns and the "rock garden". The
start point and bottom end of the course remained the same as the race held
at Fortune in July, so there was a certain amount of familiarity with the course
for those fortunate enough to race both times.
The pressure for points was on as the
Provincial standings were announced at the end of the race, following the
regular podium awards. Two Ubiketv racers had the
privilege of making the podium for the Provincial standings.
Jack Fink captured a bronze medal in Junior Sport, and
Matt Berenz a silver in the same category.
Jack also took away a
gold medal in the Junior Sport division and Matt a silver
in the same category for the race.
Matt shared the podium
with 2 former UBiketv supporters, Rob Fraser {gold} and Adam Finlayson {bronze}
in the Hardtail under 18 category. {for the race}
All in all, a great season/summer of racing,
both downhill and 4x. To those of you who came out consistently to
support each other, whether you made it to the podium or not, you are to be
congratulated. Your efforts and determination have not gone
unnoticed.
To those of you who have consistently supported
the website, and thereby the team riders, thank you.
I dont want to single anyone out, but i'm hoping you know who you
are.
To the sponsors of Team UBike,
Dakine, Devinci, Brodie, Aden Camera, Cycle Solutions, E.Thirteen we thank
you for your interest, your generosity and support. Without it,
there may not have been a team.
To the parents, for the rides to and from
the races, the food, the unending encouragement, and of course, just being there
in the rain, the heat, and the humidity!!!! {i know, i know....we didnt
have to race like you guys did!}
Huge thanks go out to Pete, Kris, Lee and all
those who orchestrated the races, the awards, and the FUN!!! An awesome
job done in keeping everything together.
Last, but certainly not least, to Juan.....for
all your hard work, your determination, your support of the riders and
your dedication to the website. Without you, there would not have
been the opportunity, for both racers and spectators alike, to participate
in such a great team event. Thank you for taking a dream and
making it a reality.
By Pat Sgambati
Photos By Geoff Berenz
and more by Harold bellow
Chelsea, Québec. The anticipation built all season as
racers tuned themselves for the most important race of the season. The
field was strong as racers battled for the elusive Provincial Champion
and overall series titles. A brand new course kept racers on their
toes, different from the usual Camp Fortune courses with a fast, open
and at times loose track. The forecast called for heavy downpour for
Sundays race, and Saturday's overnight rain did little to appease the
concerns. The skies threatened, but the rain held off until just after
the last racer. The action and black flies kept fans on their feet, as
racers blazed down the speedy course on and off their bikes.
The Elite Mens' race proved exciting as favourite Justin
Brown (2.14.51) added another championship medal to his collection. He
was followed closely by Québec racer Benoit Rioux (2.14.62). Rounding
off the podium was Matt Zdriluk (2.16.34) who has been absent from the
circuit since the first race of the season. The overall title was up
for grabs as three young athletes gave it their all trying to overtake
veteran Drew Pautler. Despite having missed two races, Pautler took the
title by only three points ahead of Tom Kakamousias, followed by Jeff
Faulds.
On the womens side, the Canadian National Champion Sheila
Morris had another dominating performance adding another Provincial
Championship medal and overall title to her collection. However, she
was in no position to take it easy on this day. Junior Canadian
National Champion, Anne Laplante was looking very quick all weekend
despite some misfortune in her race.
The Junior Expert category was bigger then usual as Québec
racers were tearing up the course. Rob Fraser (2.18.93) fought off the
Québecois and was crowned Provincial Champion to cap off his stellar
season. He was followed by James Jeannet (2.19.25) who looked very fast
all weekend, and Maxime Fortin Faubert. Notible mentions to Toronto's
Alistair Pimlott who finished 4th after upgrading categories
mid-season. We look forward to watching this youngster next year as he
challenges for the junior titles.
Up-and-coming talent was visible across the result sheet,
as many categories posted very fast times. In the Senior Expert
category, Sydney Stoolegraaf (2.21.47) and overall series winner Zach
Koolen (2.22.32) destroyed their competition. The young Cadet class saw
Brad Zdriluk (2.21.06) with a time that would have put him 6th in the
Elite Mens? field.
All in all, it was a fitting end to another great Ontario
Cup season. The new course fit well with the trend of change in this
O-Cup season, with several brand new courses being tested. Thanks to
organizers, sponsors and racers for making this a killer season.
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