The 10th annual Race the Ridge cycling stage race is set to hit Maple Ridge’s streets April 28 to 29, but registration closes this Saturday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
The race weekend begins Saturday with a road race in the Thornhill area, followed by an individual time trial in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The grand finale will take place on Sunday with the Town Core Criterium in downtown Maple Ridge,
Race organizer Barry Lyster is urging riders to register soon, as fields are capped and there will be no day-of registration available.
“Our goal is to make Race the Ridge a high quality event for all the participants,” said Lyster, who also owns Maple Ridge’s Local Ride Bike Shop. “We have three excellent race courses and are looking forward to what will be the best Race the Ridge in its 10-year history.”
Cyclists can register online at www.karelo.com.
The race will provide an opportunity for all levels of riders thanks to the addition of a Category 4 race.
“We listened to the racers who are aspiring to progress through the ranks and a lot of them really wanted the opportunity to race their own race,” said Lyster. “Since the elimination of Category 5 in B.C., it’s been challenging to develop new racers into the sport.”
The change means the Category 3 men will also have their own start. Organizers have limited the new Category 4 field to 40 riders.
For more information about the race, visit www.localride.ca