Events: BC Bike Race - Round Two

The BC Bike Race was never in danger of the dreaded "sophomore slump." In only its second year, the field of 400 has been sold out for months and is stacked with world-class racers ready to test themselves against the B.C. backcountry.

Tires start rolling in Victoria, British Columbia on June 28 and skid to a stop seven days later July 4 in Whistler. In between, stage lengths range from 50-100 km (31-62 miles) per day, and riders are expected to finish each stage in four to nine hours. Like last year, competitors will ride in teams of two.

The diversity and caliber of racers have increased for 2008, featuring entrants from Japan, Australia, Morocco and Norway, among others. Notable riders include Canadians Seamus McGrath and partner Chris Shepherd, Marvin Campos Suazo and Luis de Ezpeleta of Team La Ruta, and three-time TransRockies Challenge winner Andreas Hestler, with partner Max Plaxton.

Six-time 24-Hr Solo World Champion Chris Eatough and partner Jeff Shalk of Team Trek are the returning BCBR champions. The legendary Tinker Juarez will race alongside Mitchel Peterson of Team Cannondale/Monavie, and Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks of Kona will be at the starting line. So will hundreds of other endurance race enthusiasts and first-timers.

The race already has earned a reputation for offering more singletrack than any other of the large multi-day endurance races. It is fully supported and riders praised the logistics and amenities as last year’s race. For good reason then, the 400 available slots filled up early this year, and organizers expect the same next year—online registration opens for the 2009 edition on July 5, just one day after riders cross the finish line in Whistler.

For more information on the route, racers and riding tips, visit BCBIKERACE.COM.