Local racer Willem Boersma wins the Tri vs Roadie Time Trial events last year. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill
The second annual Tri vs Roadies Time Trial series will start again on Thu. May 7. This bicycle race is and individual time trial, with riders leaving the start line and riding alone for their choice of one or two laps of Bird’s Hill Park (BHP).
When originally developed last year, it was decided that each discipline would benefit from friendly competition with one another. Optimization for these two events is a separate process, with triathletes training and competing in a certain fashion, and the road racers in another.
This Tri vs Roadies series provides that opportunity for local triathletes to train specifically against road time trialists.
Rennie Benedict in 2014 just after she leaves the start of her time trial at Bird’s Hill Park. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill
“In order to get better at each discipline in triathlon, you need to swim with swimmers, bike with bikers and run with runners,” says local triathlete Bernadine Cheguis. “I put that into practice when I do the TT at BHP, and I have tons of fun doing it!”
The event will be hosted by local racer Jason Howden and supported by Woodcock Cycle on St. Mary’s.
Local triathlete Bernadine Cheguis during the Tri vs Roadies Time Trial held at Bird’s Hill Park last year. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill
Racers get to choose between one or two laps for the May 7 race, and between two or three for the final held on June 4.
The only requirements are safety gear (a helmet is mandatory) and either a road bike or a triathlon bike. Mountain bikes, cruisers or fixies cannot race. Cost is $30 for all three races (the cut off for the deal is May 5, and you can register and pay at Woodcock Cycle), or $15 per race, with registration at the race itself (cash only).
Race time start is 7 p.m, and is open to both licenced, and non-UCI licensed people. In short, almost everyone can participate.
Local cycling star Don Sawatzki tries to keep a smile while he grinds out the start of his Time Trial. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill
Additional races will be on Thu. May 21, and Thu. June 4. A pdf describing all of the details can be found here.
Along with this series, there are another two series for Wednesday nights and Thursday nights, also at Bird’s Hill Park.
Every Tuesday, there will be duathlons at Bird’s Hill Park. The duathlon event details can be found here.
Bird’s Hill Park will also have mountain bike racing (the Wednesday Night Series), hosted by Allan Robertson and supported by Alter Ego on Henderson highway. These races will not be every Wednesday, but they will be on May 6, May 13, May 20, June 17, July 15, July 29, and Aug 12. The mountain bike racing event details can be found here.
Rennie Benedict has a chuckle with Race Commisaire Arlene Woodcock just before her time trial. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill
