April 6/12 22:35 pm - Barry’s Roubaix Gaining Momentum for Sunday’s Race

Posted by Editoress on 04/6/12
 

The Third Annual Barry’s Roubaix road cycling race presented by Local Ride Bike Shop is set to electrify Pitt Meadows on Sunday, April 8th, with its high-paced spectator friendly action, race categories for all levels, and fun kid’s events.

“With the new course starting and finishing near the Ridge Meadows BMX Track, it gives us a great central area for spectators to see the race unfold,” said race organizer Barry Lyster. “It also offers a good spot for kids to bring their bikes and hang out, as the BMX track will be open for riding, plus we have an Easter Egg Hunt planned.” Refreshments and BBQ’s smokies will also be available for purchase on site.

Some of the country’s best riders have registered for the event and competitors have been spotted riding the course and dialing it in for race day. World Cup track cycling medalist and Pan American Champion Steph Roorda (Vancouver) of the Local Ride/Dr. Vie Superfoods+ elite women’s cycling team is a strong favourite in the Cat 1/2/3 women’s race. Roorda has a history of winning in Pitt Meadows, as she sprinted to victory in the Harris Roubaix road race, a predecessor to Barry’s Roubaix, in 2008.

The race is an important one for Roorda’s Local Ride/Dr. Vie Superfoods+ squad, as it is one of the Maple Ridge-based team’s home events, presented by title sponsor Local Ride Bike Shop. Five of the team’s riders will contest the Cat 1/2/3 women’s category.

Other contenders to watch for include 2009 Barry’s Roubaix winner Jean Ann Berkenpas (Maple Ridge), who will be flying the Xprezo Borsao Factory Team banner.

In the 120km Cat 1/2 men’s race, last year’s winning Garneau Evolution Team is hungry for a repeat victory, but defending champ Curtis Deardon is riding for a new squad, the Victoria-based Russ Hays/Accent Inns Team. Heavy hitter Rob Britton (Victoria) Team H&R Block is home from some high-level spring racing in California. He is backed by a strong group of riders, including sprinter and lead-out man Andrew Pinfold (North Vancouver).

The Cat 3/4 Men’s competition marks Cycling BC Youth Coach Jeff Ain’s (Vancouver) dEVo single annual race appearance, while Local Ride Racing’s Rich Machhein (Port Coquitlam), fresh off two months’ training in California, is another contender to watch. Although the Cat 3’s and 4’s race together, they will be separated in the results and awards.

“We would love to offer every category a separate race, but we just don’t have the numbers,” said Lyster. “In order to create a race that’s exciting to be involved in, there has to be a proper pack dynamic.”

Thirteen-year-old Local Ride/Dr. Vie Superfoods+ development rider Maggie Coles-Lyster (Maple Ridge) will pedal in the four-lap Novice race, as she aims to gain valuable pack riding skills and race tactics in a diverse group of riders.

Cycling BC is launching its new chip timing system at Barry’s Roubaix. Timing chips will be available without charge for this race, but riders will be required to leave their race license as a deposit.

Race Note