staff reporter
The Maple Ridge based Local Ride Racing Team had a strong showing at the second race of the B.C. Cup cyclocross season at Vancouver’s Vanier Park earlier this month on Oct. 2.
Maggie Coles-Lyster, 12, of Maple Ridge finished first in the U-17 women’s race, while U-17 men’s rider Pete Whalen of Pitt Meadows took second place in his category.
Other podium results for Local Ride Racing include Brett Wakefield’s (Maple Ridge) second place in the Category 3/4 men’s competition after a fierce battle to the finish, and Sandra Walter’s second place finish in the Elite Women’s race behind XPREZO-BORSAO Team rider and winner Jean Ann Berkenpas of Maple Ridge.
Local Ride’s Jenny Lehmann finished fifth, while Paul Craig, Andrew Kerr, and Steve Devantier, each from Pitt Meadows, and Mike Berkenpas of Maple Ridge just missed the podium, but put in solid efforts in their respective races.
The Vanier Park events is the longest-running cyclocross race in the province, and features grass, and tarmac sections, as well as stairs , requiring the rider to dismount and carry their bike.
Local Ride Racing is hosting their annual hometown B.C. Cup race, Pumpkin Cross, later this month.
Riders from across the province will be descending on the Maple Ridge Equi-Sport Centre on Oct. 23 for the Halloween-themed race.
Organizers of Pumpkin Cross have always encouraged participants to dress up, even enticing competitors with a cash bonus if they can win their race in costume and a prize for overall best costume.
There’s a category for everyone from beginner to elite, including a free kids’ race and a $10 race entry for youth Under the age of 17.
For more information, visit www.localride.ca