Whirlwind cycling season gearing up for final races

Tim Woodcock given'r during the Tri vs Roadies Time Trial event held at Bird's Hill Park in May

Tim Woodcock in Tri vs Roadies Time Trial event at Bird’s Hill Park in May. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill

This summer, Manitobans have experienced several tornadoes, frequent high winds, and intensely hot days.

Soon, the leaves will turn brown, the rains will become more frequent, and the weather will get colder – signaling the end of the season for some types of local competitive cycling.

Over the next month, the final local races in the Criterium (short track road racing), Time Trial, and Mountain Bike Racing will be held.

This is a time for local racers to reflect on the season, to say goodbye to acquaintances and friends that they have made during the year, and to wish others well in the upcoming fall Cyclocross season which starts shortly thereafter.

Mary Prendergast races the Bird’s Hill Park Time Trial, held in May. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill

“Personally I am just so happy I get to race,” says Team Manitoba member Mary Prendergast about her final few events.

“It’s been a really hard past two years, but everything seems to be falling in place. The girls on Team Manitoba are so strong. I’m so excited to race against them!”

Genevieve Krahn leading Rebecca (Becca) Man

Genevieve Krahn leads Rebecca Man in Stony Mountain Criterium in June. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill

Rebecca (Becca) Man has been a young shining light in the local cycling scene, winning or placing well at the top of her classes, culminating with the Under 17-year-old Road Racing Provincial title.

To cap off her year, she was a torchbearer for this year’s Pan Am Games held in Toronto – Becca carried the torch proudly across The Riel Esplanade bridge with her family and friends cheering her on.

“Becca had a great race season in 2015” says Sara Man, Becca’s mother. “She discovered road racing this year and really enjoyed it ending her season with a win in the U17 provincial road championships. Her first love is mountain (bike racing), and she had a great season finishing in the top three at all her races. She is really looking forward to the coming cyclocross season and racing nationals again at the Forks.”

JP Peters getting Air at The Birch last June

JP Peters gets air at The Birch in June. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill

A brave Cindy Brown tackling Wayne Bishop’s jump at The Birch Mountain Bike Race in June. PHOTO: Gregory McNeill

Local racer JP Peters has been a little less busy. “I would say that I’ve taken this summer easy,” Peters says. “No traveling to races out of province. Good fun at the local MTB races from Brandon Hills, to Birch, to Falcon Ridge, to Morden. Oh, and Cross is coming!!”

Sun. Aug. 16 will be the Provincial Criterium Championships, held at the Winnipeg Mint. Riders will traverse the beautiful grounds of this architectural landmark.

Sat. Aug. 22 will be the Provincial Individual Time Trial Championships at Bird’s Hill Park. Riders will dig deep and grind out the miles in order to get the quickest time around the park.

Sun. Aug. 23 will be the Provincial Mountain Bike Championships, to be held at the Birch Ski Area West of Carman. This classic course was at the same location for the 1999 Commonwealth Games Mountain Bike Event.