There’s a longstanding, quiet rivalry among the BC Bike Race course directors. It’s a challenge to design the stage that gets voted as the racers’ favourite. Yesterday racers were thrilled with the course in Nanaimo, especially the last flowing 25km. Today’s Stage Two route, in and around the Hamlet of Cumberland, seems to have generated just as much buzz around the Finish Line aid table.

Course Director Jeremy Grasby knows the trail network in this area like the back of his hand – in fact he’s built many of the trails that BCBR racers sampled today. The course served up a great mix of long climbs, gorgeous vistas, and tight, turning singletrack for both the Epic and Challenge racers.

The most interesting competition is heating up in the Epic Men’s Team of 2 category, where Sneddon and Wicks have a five minute lead over the second place South African DCM 1 Team – Branden Stewart and Max Knox. Not only are the DCM boys trying to close the gap with the leaders, but they surely must be feeling the heat from the Rocky Mountain Factory Team of Marty Lazarski and Stefan Widmer, who are hovering just 42 seconds behind in the overall standings. The most seasoned racer knows that with five more days of racing ahead, virtually anything can happen…

With three podium appearances under their belts, Team BC Ferries: Coastal Class, comprised of Barry Beck and Bill McMillan have been tearing up the trail. In their category – Epic Veterans 100+ – the next closest team is a whopping 63 minutes behind them. An impressive showing for a supposed ‘old guys’ team, which seems to keep getting stronger!

Riders and the BCBR organization alike seem to have found their groove and are settling in to the raceweek “travelling roadshow” format. Race organizers had fairly accurately estimated the finish time for the first Epic riders and a positive turn in the weather likely helped. Racers are all riding hard and will soon experience an adaptation phase as their bodies adjust and strengthen after numerous days and hours in the saddle.

Next up for BCBR adventurers: a Brand New Stage for 2010 – Powell River. This is the first race of its kind taking place in Powell River and the word on the street is that the trails are outstanding. Though anticipation has been building for this stage, the scenic BC Ferries sailing across to Powell River in the morning will be a relaxing precursor to what promises to be a great day in the saddle.

Results

The top placed British rider on the second day is Josh Ibbett, who finished the stage in 16th position. He now sits in 14th overall. Also just inside the top 20 is Jon Hayes, in 19th overall. Here’s the top results from the race so far.

STAGE RESULTS

Epic Team of 2 Men – Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks, Team Kona 2:45:04
Epic Team of 2 Women – Brandi Helstermen & Cathy Zeglinski, Team Northlands Medical Clinic 3:38:58
Epic Team of 2 Mixed – Geoff Kabush, Rocky Mountain – Maxxis & Catharine Pendrel , Team Luna 3:04:05
Epic Solo Men – Chris Sheppard, Team Rocky Mountain 2:42:58
Epic Solo Women – Melanie McQuaid, Team Specialized 3:25:08

Challenge Team of 2 Men – Team Degster 20:03:40
Challenge Solo Men – Darren Butler 02:04:19
Challenge Solo Women – Kelli Sherbinin 2:16:23

CUMULATIVE RESULTS

Epic Team of 2 Men – Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks, Team Kona 3:18:32
Epic Team of 2 Women – Brandi Helstermen & Cathy Zeglinski, Team Northlands Medical Clinic 8:09:20
Epic Team of 2 Mixed – Geoff Kabush, Team Rocky Mountain – Maxxis & Catharine Pendrel , Team Luna 6:48:04
Epic Solo Men – Chris Sheppard 3:18:32
Epic Solo Women – Melanie McQuaid 7:33:18

For up-to-date daily information and full race results, check out www.bcbikerace.com.