The organisers of the TransRockies stage race have launched a new three-day solo stage race for 2009, offering riders a smaller bite of the full-size seven-day stage race.

The three-day event will run concurrently with the first three days of the main event, which is now in its 8th year. The TR3 provides riders with a full experience of the challenging terrain that faces all the competitors, but with full on-course support.

The TR3 will take riders from Panorama Mountain Village to Nipika Mountain Resort during the first two days and finish with a time-trial loop around the Nipika trail system on day three. Riders will cover between 150km and 200km over the three days with a stiff dose of climbing guaranteed by traversing major passes in and out of the mighty Columbia River Valley.

Riders will compete in three categories (Open Men, Open Women, Master 40+ Men) and will be featured and rewarded in the nightly awards ceremonies and will have their own leaders’ jerseys, and daily and overall prizes.

“Every year, we are asked about solo riders and shorter versions of the race, and this year we felt like we had a great opportunity to bring something new to the event,” says Event Director Aaron McConnell. “The TR3 should add a highly competitive solo component to our event without compromising the spirit of teamwork and co-operation which is fundamental to the TransRockies experience.”

In 2009, both the TransRockies and TR3 will build on the success of the 2008 race which featured a gruelling new route with more climbing than ever before and a time trial at Nipika Mountain Resort which added the extra challenge and intensity of head-to-head competition.

Register at http://www.transrockies.com/trc/register/TR3.htm